Teen accused of threatening Goodyear Elementary School

GOODYEAR, Ariz. – A teenager accused of making a terroristic threat against a Goodyear elementary school has been arrested.

The Maricopa County According to prosecutors, the teen was taken into custody on Sept. 25 after a threat was made against Estrella Mountain Elementary School.

“The threat was made while the teen was online with other teens and via text message.” MCAO said in a statement.

Since the suspect is a teenager, they could not be identified.

“What children and parents need to understand is that these threats are very serious and we take them seriously,” said Maricopa District Attorney Mitchell. “It's about much more than just kids being kids.” Lives are disrupted even if a shot is never fired. At the very least, school days are interrupted because children are sent home or parents keep them home for a day or more. In the worst case, an active threat can result in trauma that lasts a long time and is also a drain on law enforcement resources.

MCAO says it has received 11 cases since early September involving threats from teenagers against Valley schools.

“I know we say this a lot, but it's important: parents need to talk to their children,” Mitchell added. “Monitor their online activity and make it clear to them that this is not a game. There are real consequences that can impact the rest of their young lives.”