MORENO VALLEY: Officials investigate threats of violence against students and middle school

MORENO VALLEY – Two students from Vista Verde Middle School were identified and detained Friday, Feb. 3, after they allegedly made threats against their school and other students, according to sheriff’s officials and school administrators. The school is located at 25777 Krameria Street in Moreno Valley. Vista Verde Middle School is part of the Val Verde Unified School District.

Officials did not identify the two juveniles due to their ages.

“The District wishes to reassure all parents and students that our schools remain safe,” Val Verde Unified School District Administration explained in an online press release regarding the incident.

District officials, who thanked the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for their quick response to the threats and their “continued dedication to the safety and security of our communities,” also explained, “At no time were staff and or students in any imminent or immediate danger.”

The investigation began about 11 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 2, after deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Moreno Valley Police station were notified about the alleged threats, according to Riverside Sheriff’s Sergeant Craig Roberts.

During their initial investigation, deputies learned two students had “made threats to harm the school and students via their Instagram accounts,” Roberts explained.

Deputies were able to identify the two involved students and detain them the following day.

Based on the threats of violence, authorities initiated the county’s Kids with Guns Protocol in an effort to ensure the safety of students and staff members at the middle school.

Riverside County’s Kids With Guns Protocol, which was first established in 1998, calls for law enforcement officers, schools, and other officials to follow specific protocols in all cases of suspected or confirmed threats of violence involving children and weapons.

After the conclusion of the sheriff’s initial investigation, Roberts said, “Nothing was found to indicate a true threat would be carried out.”

After the initial investigation was concluded, District administrators explained, “At no time were staff and or students in any imminent or immediate danger.”

Although sheriff’s authorities did not immediately disclose what further actions were taken against the two students who allegedly made the threats, District administrators reported the investigation “resulted in the arrest of two students.”

“The investigation is ongoing,” according to Roberts.

“We would like to remind everyone that safety at our schools is a community effort,” School District administrators stated, who reminded students, teachers, and parents, “If you see something, say something.”

Anyone with information is requested to contact the Moreno Valley Police Department at (951) 486-6700. Callers can refer to incident file number MV170330496 and can remain anonymous. Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.

 

Contact the writer: [email protected]

Trevor Montgomery spent 10 years in the U.S. Army as an Orthopedic Specialist before joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1998. He was medically retired after losing his leg in an off-duty accident.

During his time with the sheriff’s department, Trevor worked at several different stations, including the Robert Presley Detention Center, the Southwest Station in Temecula, the Hemet Station, and the Lake Elsinore Station, along with many other locations.