Student in Surprise arrested for posting online school threat

SURPRISE, AZ (AZFamily) — A 14-year-old student at a West Valley high school has been arrested on multiple charges for allegedly posting a school threat online.

Surprise police said the teen suspect was arrested on Monday at Valley Vista High School. Authorities emphasized the student wasn’t armed and that there is no threat to the school or community.

Detectives said the student made the threats as a “dare” and has since been booked into juvenile detention for making a terroristic threats, a felony charge, and disorderly conduct, which is a misdemeanor.

The student hasn’t been identified as they are currently being processed as a person under 18.

“We thank the brave students who spoke up to protect their school. Threats of violence toward our schools are not a joke and will not be tolerated. Those who engage in this type of activity will be held fully accountable for their actions. Through community partnerships with our local school districts the Surprise Police Department has 14 police officers dedicated as fulltime School Resource Officers (SRO) to ensure the safety of our students,” said Surprise Police Chief Benny Pina.

Surprise police said this incident was unrelated to the bomb threat that prompted an evacuation of Maricopa High School.

Anyone with more information on the investigation is asked to call Surprise Police at 623- 222-4000, or 623-222-8477 or via email at crimetips@surpriseaz.gov

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