Santa Rosa teen arrested for school threat with boxcutter
- A 14-year-old boy at Slater Middle School was overheard making threats about shooting up the school while on a city bus.
- Police found a boxcutter in the student's possession during a search at the school, but no additional weapons or narcotics were discovered.
- The student was cited for possession of a knife on campus, underscoring the serious consequences of making threats.
On Thursday morning, police in Santa Rosa responded to an anonymous tip regarding a 14-year-old student at Slater Middle School who allegedly made threats about shooting up the school. The student was overheard discussing these threats while on a city bus with a friend. The tipster also reported that the boy claimed to possess large quantities of illicit narcotics, prompting further investigation by law enforcement. Upon arrival at the school around 7:45 a.m., officers collaborated with school staff to identify the student without causing alarm among other students. The boy was brought to the office, where a search of his person and backpack revealed a small, closed boxcutter in his pocket. No additional weapons or narcotics were found during the search. The police conducted a follow-up search at the student's home, which also yielded no weapons or drugs. After assessing the situation, the investigating officer concluded that the student was joking with his friends and had no real intention of bringing a firearm to school. Despite this, the boy received an arrest citation for possessing a knife or cutting instrument on school grounds. The incident highlights the serious nature of making threats, even in jest, as it can lead to significant disciplinary actions and legal consequences. Authorities emphasized the importance of discussing the implications of such behavior with children and encouraged reporting any concerning actions to trusted adults.