2 Boys, One From Chile, ID'd As Felix Festa School Gunman Hoaxers

WEST NYACK, NY — Clarkstown police detectives have identified two boys involved in three days worth of hoax phone calls in November about a gunman at Felix Festa Middle School. A 15-year-old from Chile made the calls. The second child has been identified as a Clarkstown student.

The intensive investigation revealed that the Clarkstown resident and the other male from Chile met while gaming on the internet. They both conspired to have the boy from Chile phone in a hoax that would cause the school to go on lockdown and initiate a large police response, which it did. SEE: Update: Middle School Gunman Calls Were Hoax.

A call was made to 911 the evening of Nov. 20, which police determined to be unfounded. Then a second call was made to a staffer at the school Nov. 21, resulting in evacuation and massive search plus a lockdown both of the school and neighboring Rockland BOCES campus. A third call the following week was made apologizing.

Thankfully, the hoax didn’t result in the injury of any student, staff or first responder, police said.

Given the seriousness of the incident and the age of the Clarkstown resident, his case will be adjudicated in Clarkstown Youth Court in addition to school-administered discipline and appropriate supports, police said. However, due to the Chilean's age and the charges that would stem from this kind of incident, an extradition process cannot be initiated at this time.

The incident prompted school officials to bring in a safety expert and inspirational speaker to talk with parents. SEE: Sandy Hook Parent To Speak At Felix Festa Middle School.

Police and district officials remind parents of the concerns of children who play games on the internet with others whom they do not know.

"We ask that if your child participates in online gaming that you be aware they will be engaging with strangers from all walks of life who may have bad intentions," police said. "Please have conversations with your child about the realities and consequences associated with their online actions."