Charges Filed In Alleged South Hills High Threats

POMONA, CA — A man who made alleged threats of violence to his former high school in West Covina was charged Tuesday, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office.

Dereck Pena of West Covina was set to appear in a Pomona courtroom Tuesday in connection with a case charging him with two counts of criminal threats, Deputy District Attorney Eric Neff said.

Pena -- a former student at South Hills High School -- allegedly communicated threats of violence against the school to an ex-girlfriend, according to Neff.

Officers investigated, deemed the threat credible and a search for the suspect was launched, according to West Covina Police Dept. Sgt. Tim Rogers.

"A search warrant was obtained for the suspect's residence, which revealed replica assault rifles, replica handguns, replica body armor and two real machetes," Rogers said.

Pena was arrested Thursday at his home, according to police. He has remained behind bars since then, jail records show.

If convicted as charged, Pena could face up to three years and eight months in state prison, according to the District Attorney's Office.

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