2 students arrested after social media threat against elementary school in Goodyear

GOODYEAR, Ariz. (3TV/CBS 5) — Police say two students have been arrested after a threat involving an elementary school in Goodyear was found posted online.

Wednesday night, Goodyear police say a Desert Thunder Elementary student saw a threat against the school posted on social media. The student told their parents, who called police. Officers went to the home of the student who allegedly posted the threat and recovered a replica gun that was painted to look real. The student was arrested and taken to a juvenile detention facility.

Detectives learned a second student was involved in making the threat and obtained a search warrant for another home Thursday morning. That student was also taken into custody. Police say that a gun in the house was accessible to the child.

Avondale Elementary School District sent a letter home to families regarding the incident.

A school threat was resolved safely thanks to swift student & parent reporting. GYPD applauds the student who took action when a perceived threat was spotted on social media. We appreciate the collaboration with @AvondaleESD & Desert Thunder Elementary School. pic.twitter.com/irWgoQbHDR
— Goodyear Police Dept (@Goodyearpolice) September 14, 2023