School Shooting Threat Suspect Arrested With Body Armor, Guns: Police

BELL GARDENS, CA — Police arrested a 21-year-old man suspected of threatening a school shooting at Bell Gardens High School hours before he was pulled over with body armor, stolen firearms and high-capacity magazines, according to the Bell Gardens Police Department.

Rene Alvizo, of Bell Gardens, was behind bars Monday, booked on suspicion of possession of stolen property, two counts of grand theft of a firearm, and making terrorist threats. Another man who was driving the vehicle Alvizo was riding in was also detained but later released.

The investigation began at about 1:30 p.m. Sunday when authorities were alerted to a threatening video posted to social media. The video showed a man and a Glock 22 handgun with a caption that read, "Uh-ho do not come to escuela mañana," said Bell Gardens Police Department Chief Scott Fairfield.

Investigators quickly identified Alvizo as a suspect in the case.

"During the course of the investigation, detectives conducted surveillance and observed two adult suspects enter a vehicle," Sgt. John Acosta said in a written release. "A traffic stop was conducted, and during the vehicle search, detectives found two stolen firearms, body armor, high-capacity magazines and ammunition."

Two Glock 22 handguns found in the vehicle were consistent with the weapon identified in the social media threat, said Fairfield. In addition to the weapons and more than 100 rounds of ammunition, police found handcuffs.

Investigators still don't know what the motive was nor whether others may have been involved in the case, Fairfield added. The investigation remains ongoing.

According to jail records, Alvizo was jailed in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Alvizo and the second person are both allegedly local gang members, according to police.

Classes were held at the high school as usual.

Anyone with additional information was asked to contact Acosta at the Bell Gardens Police Department at 562-806-7632.

City News Service