Hemet boy arrested for allegedly threatening to `shoot up’ school

A 16-year-old Hemet boy was arrested today for allegedly threatening to shoot students and staff at Diamond Valley Middle School.

The teenager, whose identity was not disclosed, was booked into Riverside Juvenile Hall on suspicion of making criminal threats.

According to Hemet police Lt. Glen Brock, the suspect was standing outside the perimeter fence on the sidewalk in front of the school, located at 291 W. Chambers St., when he got the attention of a campus supervisor about 12:30 p.m.

“The school was in session and several students were in the area,” Brock said. “The youth… told the supervisor he was going to `shoot up the school,’ and then made a hand gesture simulating shooting a handgun.”

The witness immediately reported the encounter to a Hemet police officer working campus security, and he found the teen moments later and detained him without a struggle, according to Brock.

The boy, who was not armed, was questioned and ultimately arrested.

“The Hemet Police Department, as well as the Hemet Unified School District, is dedicated to the welfare and safety of all students and staff,” Brock said. “All threats of violence are taken seriously and are fully investigated.”