Teen arrested after threat sparks lockdown at West Phoenix High School

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A teenager was arrested within 24 hours after a threat led to a lockdown and significant police presence at a west Phoenix high school earlier this week.

On Thursday, authorities identified and located the young girl who allegedly made the threat against Sierra Linda High School. According to Phoenix police, the girl admitted to being involved and claimed the threat was “in jest and got out of control.”

On Wednesday, school staff began receiving information from students about several concerning messages circulating on social media. According to police, a message around 11 a.m. showed a photo of a school common room and the school was placed on lockdown to ensure all students were in their classrooms.

Phoenix police officers were called to search the school and investigate the alleged threats. Once it was deemed safe, students were released at the usual time.

Authorities say the incident “caused disruption to the school and wasted valuable resources.”

The teenager was charged with several crimes, including making terroristic threats, computer tampering and disrupting an educational institution.

Authorities continue to encourage students and parents to report threats to police or school staff. Police are warning the public not to repost the threat on social media as it complicates investigations and may lead to the spread of misinformation.

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