RIVERSIDE – (INT) - A 13-year-old student is the latest to be arrested for making online threats of violence against his classmates.

Parents at Central Middle School in Riverside reported an Instagram post showing a student with a possible firearm and a list of classmates' names. Investigators spent several hours to identify the youth. A search of his home turned up a realistic toy gun. He was arrested and another student was charged with conspiracy.

A wave of school violence threats is sweeping the nation. The Inland Empire has not been immune.

Riverside Police Chief Larry Gonzalez has vowed criminal consequences and severe disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion. “We will not tolerate behavior that undermines the safety and security of our schools,” he said.

Story Date: October 1, 2024