Teenagers arrested after threats at Visalia school, police say

VISALIA, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – A 13-year-old and a 12-year-old have been arrested and accused of making threats to a Visalia middle school, the Visalia Police Department said.

Officers say their Youth Services Officers were informed of a rumor circulating on social media regarding a potential threat to Ridgeview Middle School.

During the investigation, police say they interviewed a 12-year-old student. Upon searching the student's home, officers did not find any weapons at the home. The investigation confirmed there was no current threat, but the 12-year-old was taken into custody and booked at the Tulare County Juvenile Facility for allegedly making the threat.

At the same time, detectives were also informed that a 13-year-old student was rumored to have brought a firearm to school and was showing it to other students.

Officers say the student was identified and located. Police confirmed that the student brought a BB gun to school. The 13-year-old was subsequently arrested and booked at the Tulare County Juvenile Detention Facility on suspicion of bringing a weapon/replica to school.

Police say all school activities will proceed as usual for Wednesday, with increased police presence on campus.