Unfounded Threats Prompt Increased Police Presence At SoCal Schools

LA MIRADA (CBSLA.com) — Multiple unsubstantiated rumors resulted in increased presence by authorities at Bell Gardens High School and other schools on Friday.

KNX 1070's Margaret Carrero reports the principal at Bell Gardens High School was alerted to one rumored threat by a student.

Principal Juan Herrara said he placed a call to parents on Thursday night to clarify there was no direct threat made toward the school, its students, or staff members.

"As soon as we heard, we did call school police, we investigated, and we will be having more school police around the perimeter of the school just for the safety of our students," Herrara said. "We take every single rumor seriously."

South Pasadena Unified School District officials also cited an "unfounded rumor" circulated via social media for an increased police presence at South Pasadena High.

Police said they received information on Thursday evening from a South Pasadena High School student "regarding a threat of possible gun violence to occur sometime during the school day" on Friday - but the district superintendent downplayed the reported threat.

"We have been working steadily with South Pasadena Police Department. They have questioned the person who originated this rumor and they believe it to be non-credible," Superintendent Joel Shapiro said in a statement. "As a precaution, there will be police present at South Pasadena High School all day, and we will have police conducting increased patrols around all campuses."

According to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, Norwalk station deputies received several reports over the past three days that an unfounded threat had been made against the La Mirada High School.

"At this point of the investigation, there is no specific information that the threat is credible, or to identify the source or wording of the alleged threat. It appears to be spoken concerns only," said Captain Pat Maxwell.

Deputies are working closely with school officials to ensure the safety of students.