Teen Arrested In School Shooting Threat At Novato High School

NOVATO, CA – A teenager was arrested Tuesday after allegedly threatening to shoot up Novato High School on Halloween.

Novato police received a report at 7 p.m. Tuesday that several Novato High students received threatening electronic messages from the 16-year-old male student from another Marin-area high school. The student allegedly made statements regarding the students' sexual orientation while threatening a school shooting Oct. 31 at Novato High School.

Police interviewed the students who received the threats and searched the accused student's home. According to police, he and his family were cooperative with detectives and denied having any intentions to cause harm at the school.

During the search, police found a pellet gun but no other guns or weapons at the home.

After the preliminary investigation, the student was arrested and booked into Marin County Juvenile Hall on charges of criminal threats and hate crime, police said. The case will be forwarded to the Marin County District Attorney's office for review.

"Our officers are fully committed to protecting our students, faculty and staff," Novato police Chief Adam McGill said. "Our SROs (school resource officers) and team have worked hard to build relationships with the campus community, so we're better connected to learn about threats before it's too late. I'm grateful for the proactive effort in this case. Acts of hate and threats of violence will not be tolerated in Novato."

Although there is no continuing threat to Novato High School, police will provide extra patrols in the area of the campus to reassure students and parents.

Authorities encouraged students and community members to report suspicious behavior to the police department by calling 415-897-4361 or directly to a school resource officer. Tips can be submitted anonymously at crimetips@novato.org.

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