VPD: La Joya student accused of making threats to open gunfire at two schools

A student is in trouble after allegedly threatening to open gunfire on two Visalia elementary school campuses.

Visalia police officers first responded around 7:40 a.m. Wednesday to reports of a shooting threat involving Riverway Elementary School.

While officers started their investigation into the possible threat, Visalia police were notified of a second shooting threat made at Mt. View Elementary School. The schools were locked down while police investigated.

After investigating the threats, Youth Services Officers identified the caller as a 12-year-old La Joya Middle School student.

"The student was contacted on-campus and immediately detained. After a search of his person and his residence, no firearm was located," officers stated in a press release. "Based on this criminal investigation, detectives believe that there is no additional threat to students, teachers, or school sites."

Police didn't disclose the details behind the threats or a possible motive. It's unclear if the student had guns at home.

Visalia Unified sent out an email to parents detailing the event.

"Visalia Unified School District takes all threats seriously and works closely with Visalia Police Department to ensure students and staff are safe," the email, in part, reads.

Anyone with information regarding the two incidents should call Detective Monica Ceja at 730-7664.

Lauren Jennings covers education and news for the Visalia Times-Delta/Tulare Advance-Register. Follow her on Twitter @lolojennings. Get alerts and keep up on all things Tulare County for as little as $1 a month. Subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Visalia Times-Delta: VPD: Student accused of making threats to open gunfire at two schools