Somerton, Arizona – This press release is a summary of the facts and circumstances known at the time. The incident is still actively being investigated and the information provided in this press release is subject to change. Additional details will be released to the public as they become available.
On Tuesday, January 15th, 2019 at approximately 7:10 a.m., the Somerton Police Departments received information from a concerned parent of a child who attends Somerton Middle School advising of a potential threat directed at Somerton Middle School. The parent related his daughter received a "Snap Chat" message stating "don't come to school, school shooter". The message was sent to several students in a “group chat”. Somerton Police Department obtained a copy of the message and detectives immediately began an investigation. Somerton police officers were dispatched to saturate the Somerton Middle School campus as a precaution.
Detectives interviews have led to the source of the threatening post, and have arrested those responsible, two juveniles both 13 years of age, one male, one female. During interviews, the juveniles admitted to the posting, stating is was just a hoax. Searches of both juvenile’s residents and belongings were conducted, there is no evidence to indicate either juvenile had access to weapons or the ability to carry out the threat. Both are students at Somerton Middle School and reside in Somerton. Detectives are confident those involved have been arrested. Classes were not disrupted however, several students whom were involved in the group chat, have remained home as a result of this incident. Both are being booked into the Yuma County Juvenile Detention Facility on one count of "Disruption of an Educational Institution, a Class 6 Felony.
If you have any information that might help detectives solve this case, please contact Somerton Police at (928) 722-7300 or 78-Crime at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.