Petaluma Student Makes False Report Of Man With Gun At School: Police

PETALUMA, CA — The Petaluma Police Department responded to a false report of a man with a gun Thursday at a local school.

Officers were called to Petaluma Junior High School at 10:14 a.m. Thursday when a student reported to a staff member that they saw a man on campus with a rifle, police said in a news release.

"The 13-year-old student quickly recanted the statement, stating it was a joke," Petaluma police Lt. Garrett Glaviano said. "Responding officers met with school administrators and the student. Officers determined the statement lacked credibility and after checking the campus they concluded the students were safe."

The student and their parents were referred to "Mentor Me" through the Petaluma Police Department's restorative justice program, police said.

"As we mourn the loss of the victims of the Uvalde elementary school shooting, we want to reassure the community that we are continuing to provide extra patrols around our city schools, and we are working closely with our partners in our multiple school districts," Glaviano said. "We want to thank our community members for reporting suspicious activity and continuing to work with us to keep our city safe."