West Hills High Student Arrested For Lego Rifle Threat: Officials

SANTEE, CA – A student was arrested on suspicion of making terrorist threats against West Hills High School in Santee after he posted a photo of a Lego rifle on social media with a threatening message, authorities said.

The school's assistant principal alerted deputies from the Santee Sheriff's Station to the post around 10 p.m. Tuesday. The student posted the picture on Instagram with the caption, "Don't come to school tomorrow," sheriff's Lt. Chris Steffen said. Another student asked the suspect to take down the post, but he refused.

Deputies tracked the ninth grade student to an address in the city of Lemon Grove.

Officials learned the14-year-old had access to hunting rifles. The investigation remains under investigation to determine if the student has access to other weapons, Steffen said.

The student was booked into juvenile hall on a felony charge of making a criminal threat.

"The sheriff's department and local school districts take every threat seriously and nothing can be dismissed or ignored," Steffen said.

The student's name was not released because he is a juvenile.

"We thank law enforcement for their quick action," said Catherine Martin, a spokeswoman with the Grossmont Union High School District.

The San Diego County Sheriff's Department reminded students to report threats of violence to school resource deputies or call the anonymous Crime Stoppers Students Speaking Out Tip Line at 888-580‐8477 or the department at 858-565‐5200.

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