SAN JACINTO and HEMET – Three schools: two in San Jacinto, and one in Hemet, were subjected to lockdowns and additional law-enforcement deployment on January 20th at 7:14 AM. Threats of an explosive device from an unknown number were directed at North Mountain Middle School – San Jacinto, Mt View High School – San Jacinto, and Rancho Viejo Middle School – Hemet.
Comparison of the calls determined that the threats came from the same person, making similar threats to each school. Additional presence ensured the safety of students and staff.
Once a security search took place at each school to guarantee the safety of everyone, the lockdowns were lifted. An immediate investigation was launched by The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Hemet Investigations Bureau.
Follow-up measures revealed digital evidence, which was traced to a juvenile subject residing in San Jacinto. Once the location was pinpointed, a search determined that there were no firearms, nor bomb- making materials.
“The Sheriff’s Department is confident this investigation revealed that this was an isolated incident and there are no pending threats to public safety,” said Sergeant Anthony Pelato. “This case was forwarded to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office for filing consideration.”
