Earlier today, the Santa Clarita Valley International Charter School was on lockdown as deputies from the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station investigated an unconfirmed threat. The lockdown has since been lifted and a 15-year-old suspect was charged with making Criminal Threats. The following is a breakdown from the Facebook page of the SCV Sheriff’s Station:

On Thursday, February 22, 2018, at approximately 9:10 a.m., the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station was notified by the Santa Clarita Valley International Charter School (SCVi) administration of a 9th grade student who reportedly made a threatening statement while at school on Wednesday. The student stated that he was going to “shoot up the school and students.” His statement was overheard by another student, who later relayed the information to their parent. The parent contacted the school Thursday morning, and administration determined that the student who made the alleged threats was not yet present at school. School staff immediately contacted SCV Sheriff’s, and the school was put on lockdown as a precautionary measure.

Deputies responded to the school site on Hasley Canyon Road in Castaic, and after confirming that the student was not at school yet, a group of deputies provided security on the campus, while other deputies worked diligently with school officials to determine possible locations where the student could be found. After a residence in the Piru was identified as a possible location, a team of deputies was dispatched to the location. Upon arrival to the Piru location, deputies made contact with the 15-year-old male student, and subsequently charged him with making Criminal Threats. The juvenile was transported and booked at Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station. This is an ongoing investigation.

The Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station continues to work with all of our area schools and community to ensure safe campuses throughout the Santa Clarita Valley. Students are encouraged that if they see something, say something. Our school resource officers look into each and every tip received, as we want to do everything we can to keep our students and schools safe.