Dec. 21 school threats bring SWAT officers to Diamond Ranch High
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A Los Angeles County sheriff’s helicopter and SWAT team responded to Diamond Ranch High School as it went on lockdown Friday morning after two calls to school authorities making threats.
But Los Angeles County sheriff’s officials cautioned that no events have occurred and deputies are on scene as a precautionary measure.
Sheriff’s Capt. Michael Parker in a message said the helicopter and special weapons team were nearby when the report came and went as a precautionary action. Parker said the department, while ensuring the school’s safety, used it as a training exercise and the helicopter and special weapons team would be leaving the school.
On Friday morning, school authorities received two calls around 8:45 a.m. making threats, said Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputy Guillermina Saladana, a spokeswoman for the department. As a precaution, the Pomona Unified School District immediately stopped anyone from leaving and entering campus, she said. Deputies in cruisers also went to the school and remain there.
A Pomona Unified announcement said all students remained safe on campus. The threats are the latest in the wake of the Connecticut school massacre. South Pasadena police were investigating a threat of potential gun violence at South Pasadena High School on Friday, but say the threat may not be credible.
On Thursday evening a South Pasadena High student reported a threat that possible gun violence could take place on campus Friday, the last day of classes before the winter break. Police have looked into the tip, but Det. Richard Lee said in a statement Friday morning that police ‘lack any specific information that would suggest the threat is credible.’
Local educators are bracing for possible Internet rumors and concerns related to the Dec. 21, 2012, ‘doomsday’ scenario.
Schools around the nation have been dealing with rumors -- some spread on social media -- of problems related to the so-called doomsday supposedly foretold in the Mayan calendar. Numerous schools in Michigan, in response to the doomsday predictions, closed two days early for the holidays.
On Thursday, Oxnard police responded to Twitter messages that spoke of a possible safety situation at Pacifica High School related to the Mayan calendar. Police told KEYT-TV that there was no threat and, despite some reports, the school was not placed on lockdown.
Newport Harbor High School administrators sent out a message to parents saying rumors about violence planned on the Newport Beach campus Friday are unfounded.
ALSO:
Dec. 21, 2012: Schools fight rumors fueled by Mayan ‘doomsday’
Fresno student brought gun, 50 rounds of ammo to school, police say
Police probe threat of possible gun violence at South Pasadena High School
--Richard Winton
