MOUNTAIN VIEW — Three Mountain View High School students were arrested Monday after making threats against the campus on social media, according to police.
The threats were not related to the widespread “creepy clown” hoax hysteria that has seemingly overtaken schools across the United States.
“It was not clown-related,” police spokeswoman Katie Nelson said, “but it was suggesting potential harm or danger. It was definitely a situation that was alarming.”
The three students were brought to police headquarters Sunday after police were alerted to social media posts that threatened harm against students and staff. The posts did not specify a target or anyone in particular, Nelson said.
The student suspects, who were not publicly identified because they are minors, were arrested Monday morning after being questioned by investigators. Police also did not release their ages or genders. They were booked into Santa Clara County Juvenile Hall on suspicion of making criminal threats and conspiring to commit a crime.
Police declined to reveal the exact nature of the threats or specify whether any of the students had the means to carry out their threats.
“Regardless of whether the threats were real, they were made, we take them seriously,” Nelson said. “They should know better, and they are paying the consequences.”
Mountain View police increased their officer presence on campus Monday to reassure students and staff of their safety. Nelson said the episode should serve as another cautionary tale about how the Internet offers no safe harbor from the consequences of threatening behavior.
“Social media is public and people can see it,” she said. “You have to be very aware of what you’re saying and how you’re saying it.”
Anyone with information about the case can contact Sgt. Ken Leal at 650-903-6344.
