Student, Father Arrested After Threats Made Against High School

SAN DIEGO, CA — A Rancho Bernardo High School student and his father were arrested after threats were made against the school and illegal weapons were found at their home, authorities said Tuesday.

Students notified school officials of the student making threatening statements and showing "concerning videos," Principal Hans Becker said in an email to families and staff over the weekend.

The school shooting threats were reported to police, who launched an investigation Friday and booked the student into Juvenile Hall, according to the San Diego Police Department.

Police issued a gun violence restraining order and obtained a search warrant to search the family's home, where they found several unserialized firearms, also known as ghost guns, other assault weapons and "several destructive devices," Lt. Daniel Meyer said in a news release.

The student's father, Neal Anders, 45, was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of possession of illegal firearms, manufacturing assault weapons and possession of a destructive device. He was booked into San Diego Central Jail and was scheduled to be arraigned Thursday in San Diego Superior Court.

"The San Diego Police Department takes all reports of potential threats to our schools and public very seriously," Police Chief David Nisleit said in a statement.

"SDPD's Northeastern Division, Ghost Gun Team, MAST and Threat Management Unit worked tirelessly and collaboratively in this case to ensure the safety of the students at Rancho Bernardo High School and all residents," Nisleit said. "I commend them for their outstanding work."

Police officers were on campus this week to provide a "reassuring presence," Becker said in his email to families and staff.

"I want to reiterate that Rancho Bernardo High School remains a safe place for our students and staff," he said.

"I want to commend the students who acted responsibly by reporting what they heard," he added. "Please use this opportunity to remind your children, if they see something, say something to continue to keep our community safe through our collective vigilance."