Teen taken into custody after posting school threat

Deputies from the Sheriff's Fallbrook substation took a 15-year-old male suspect into custody Sunday, Nov. 5, for posting a threat that implied there would be a gun on the Fallbrook High School campus Monday, Nov. 6.

According to a report by Sgt. Jeff Schmidt of the San County Sheriff's Department, school officials contacted the Fallbrook substation Nov. 5 regarding a social media post of a picture of a handgun and a warning to not attend school the following morning.

Fallbrook deputies, in coordination with Fallbrook High School staff and the initial reporting party, were able to identify the suspect. Deputies contacted the 15-year old suspect at his residence and took him into custody without incident.

Although the suspect indicated the post was only meant as a joke, based upon the severity of the crime, he was booked at Juvenile Hall. Lt. Mark Moreno of the Fallbrook substation said the suspect was charged with "criminal threats," which can be prosecuted as a felony.

"The San Diego Sheriff's Department believes it is irresponsible for anyone to make any threats, even if it is prank, against schools, churches, organizations or individuals," said Moreno. "It is the duty of the Sheriff's Department and its deputies to take these matters seriously, until we can prove the threat is bogus. Threats disrupt peace and instill fear within our community. The Sheriff's Department has been 'Keeping the Peace since 1850' and will continue to do so by making sure we arrest all those who like participating in this type of criminal behavior."

Classes at Fallbrook High School were held as scheduled Nov. 6.