Anonymous Social-Media Threats To Fairfield Schools Deemed Not Credible By Police

SOLANO COUNTY, CA – The Fairfield Police Department was contacted Monday evening by the Fairfield-Suisun Unified School District regarding a series of posts on social media by an anonymous person threatening harm at several Fairfield schools, however, after investigation officials determined the postings posed no real threat, police said.

"While we have no reason to believe the recent social media posts pose a credible threat, the Fairfield Police Department will continue to work closely with administrators at Fairfield schools to continue to ensure a safe learning environment for all students and staff," the agency said.

"While occasionally online threats do occur," the Fairfield police said,"we would like to point out that posting online threats toward schools or other groups, even if made as a joke, can be criminal and be disruptive and harmful to students, parents and staff."

The department was contacted by school officials Oct. 3 at about 7:45 p.m. regarding the posts, which the department did not disclose but said were similar to recent reports across the nation targeting schools.

"The usernames of the poster (or posters) usually reference some connection to clowns," police said. "Those posts have gone viral, and many of them appear to be copycat posts intended to disrupt schools and to scare the public."

The Fairfield police continued: "During our investigation we discovered that a few local young people had posted online responses to the threatening posts. We encourage parents to be aware of their children's online activities and posts, and to talk with their children to discourage them interacting with the person making the online threats. Interacting with the suspect can tend to encourage more such activity, and place the children in danger."

Anyone with information regarding the online threats is asked to contact the Fairfield Police Department by calling our tip line at 707-428-7345, Solano Crime Stoppers at 707-644-7867, or text the information to "TIP FAIRFIELDPD" to 888777.

• Also see: Teen Arrested, Allegedly Threatens To Bomb, Shoot Up Monterey Co. Schools. The 17-year-old said his Facebook post, with a "maniacal clown" image, was meant as a joke, according to police.

--File photo