Mira Costa Campus Reopens, Girl Allegedly Behind At Least 1 Social Media Threat Against School

MANHATTAN BEACH (CBSLA.com) — Classes resumed Thursday at a South Bay high school after police identified a juvenile allegedly responsible for making at least one threat on social media that forced a two-day closure of the campus.

"It was a little scary but I'm sure they wouldn't let us come back to school unless it was safe and they knew it would be safe," said student Danielle Richman.

Manhattan Beach police said Wednesday that they've interviewed a female juvenile in connection with the threatening posts made on the anonymous social Media app, Yik Yak, related to Mira Costa High School.

The unidentified girl was not in custody, and according to police, "is not a student in the Manhattan Beach Unified School District."

Officer Stephanie Martin of the Manhattan Beach Police Department described the girl as a South Bay resident who lives with her parents.

"Mom and dad are aware. Mom and dad are cooperating. She's not going anywhere," Martin said. "So looking at all those things and the fact that we're still investigating is the reason why she's not in custody at this time."

Authorities were still trying to determine if others were involved.

A total of five threatening messages, posted anonymously within a 24-hour period, prompted the two-day closure of the school.

The first threat was reported Monday morning by an unidentified student and stated: "If you go to Costa you should watch out very closely at school today."

The campus was immediately placed on lockdown.

Later that evening, three additional threats were posted on the app, prompting the cancellation of classes and all school activities Tuesday.

Police said the messages included the following:

"Nice try Costa. Today was just a drill."

"Almost every school shooter left a warning before committing the crime and everyone ignored them, just remember."

"Tomorrow at 2. be ready Costa. You're going on lockdown."

A fifth and final threat, which stated "If you go to Costa you should watch out very closely on Wednesday," was posted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, officials said.

The posts prompted officials to keep the school closed to students Wednesday.

An increased police presence will be on campus Thursday in addition to safety measures taken by the school.

"We had them have their backpacks open, quick look inside, keeping students in class, made up specific passes for students to readily available who needs to be out of class and who doesn't," principal Ben Dale said.

An increased police presence will continue on the campus through Friday.

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