Arlington police arrest 2 for social media school threats
- Arlington Police arrested two individuals for making threats against local schools on social media.
- One suspect, Kevin Martinez-Molina, claimed his post was a prank, while a student from Gunn Junior High was also charged for a verbal threat.
- The police department is committed to identifying and prosecuting those who make threats, regardless of their authenticity.
On Thursday, the Arlington Police Department arrested two individuals in connection with threats made against local schools via social media. The first suspect, 18-year-old Kevin Martinez-Molina, was identified after Arlington High School administrators reported a concerning post to the school resource officer. Martinez-Molina, who is not a student at the school, claimed that his post was intended as a prank. He was subsequently charged with making a terroristic threat, a felony, and is currently held at the Arlington city jail. In a separate incident, a student from Gunn Junior High School was arrested after multiple witnesses reported a verbal threat made against the school. This student, whose identity has not been disclosed, was also charged with making a terroristic threat and was taken to the Tarrant County Juvenile Detention Center. The Arlington Police Department emphasized their commitment to addressing such threats seriously, stating that they will utilize all available resources to identify individuals responsible for creating threatening posts. They reiterated their stance on not hesitating to arrest and file charges against those involved, regardless of the authenticity of the threats. These incidents reflect a growing concern over safety in schools, particularly in the context of social media's role in disseminating threats. The police's proactive approach aims to deter similar actions in the future and ensure the safety of students and staff in the Arlington area.