Report Of Bomb Threat Against Kenilworth Junior High Investigated

PETALUMA, CA — An investigation was continuing Monday into a report of a bomb threat made over the weekend against Kenilworth Junior High School, the Petaluma Police Department said.

The threat of violence toward the school at 880 Riesling Drive was vague and made reference to a bomb, police said in a news release.

As of 4 p.m. Sunday, police said they had not located any evidence indicating the threat was credible but the investigation remained active.

The Petaluma Police Department first received information at 2:30 p.m. Saturday about a possible bomb threat at Kenilworth Junior High that was reportedly planned for Friday, November 19. The threat was made using an anonymous app, STOPit, which is designed to report bullying, safety issues and misconduct, police said.

The app sent a notification to Petaluma PD and to Petaluma City Schools regarding the potential threat.

"We have been working closely with Petaluma City Schools to interview students who reported the threat and those allegedly involved," police said. "This incident continues to be actively investigated."

Petaluma City Schools announced over the weekend that Kenilworth Junior High School would be open for classes Monday. In a message to parents and students, the school district said it received a report from a student that another student threatened violence against the school to be carried Friday.

"This threat was specific to Kenilworth Junior High School and does not affect any other campuses," the district said. "School will be open tomorrow and PPD will have a presence on the Kenilworth Junior High School campus tomorrow (11/15) until whenever necessary for additional security."

Similar incidents have taken place this fall at Casa Grande High School, Petaluma High School and Petaluma Junior High School using the same cell phone reporting app but it appeared the incident were not related, the district said.

"We know that a single instance of violence threatened publicly can spur a number of copycat threats, and yet we must remain vigilant," the district said. "We take any and all threats seriously and will continue to work closely with law enforcement to ensure that our schools are safe places for students and staff."

The school district said any student who is experiencing increased levels of stress or fear related to these incidents should reach out to counseling staff or school site administrators.

The Petaluma Police Department said it takes all threats seriously and was determined to identify all suspects who make such threats.

Police and district officials asked anyone with further information about the case to contact Officer Williams at 707-778-4372 or send a message to ppdtips@cityofpetaluma.org.

• SEE ALSO: Student Accused In Bomb Threat At Petaluma Junior High School