Poly High School Shooting Threat Triggers Fear And Confusion

LONG BEACH, CA – Various high school campuses in Long Beach saw an increase in security Wednesday after social media rumors circulated of a possible shooting to take place at a "Poly High School," that may or may not reference the Long Beach school, authorities said.

Social media posts on Tuesday night led to the increased police presence, according to the Long Beach Police Department and the Long Beach Unified School District.

The LBPD issued a statement late Wednesday morning saying the department "was made aware of an unsubstantiated threat of a shooting at a 'Poly High School."'

"Detectives started investigating the matter right away and worked through the night. The preliminary investigation found no credible threat to Long Beach Poly High School," the LBPD statement said. "The police department is working closely with LBUSD, and there will be increased police presence on Long Beach high school campuses, to ensure that students feel safe in their educational environment."

Early Wednesday morning, LBUSD Supt. Chris Steinhauser send a message to the school community.

"We have been alerted to unsubstantiated social media rumors that a possible shooting was planned to occur at Poly High School. While these rumors are unsubstantiated, we take them seriously and are working with law enforcement to actively investigate," Steinhauser wrote. "You will see additional law enforcement presence at the school today. We appreciate those who alerted us. Your students will be safe and protected at school."

It was unclear if the social media posts were actually referring to the Poly High School that is in Long Beach.

According to the Long Beach Press-Telegram, one post on Instagram shared a photo of a headline reporting a school shooting threat against "Long Beach High." However, the article attached to the headline refers to a school in Florida and was posted on Feb. 16, the newspaper reported.

Anyone with information regarding a threat to a school is urged to call police immediately by dialing 911. Anyone who has information regarding the recent social media threat is urged to call Violent Crimes detectives at (562) 570-7250. Anonymous tips may be submitted through Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS.

City News Service contributed to this post; Image via Shutterstock