Full Notification

MEDIA RELEASE

WHAT: Criminal Threats

WHERE: Laguna Middle School

WHEN: November 20, 2019

DEPARTMENT CONTACT: Captain Brian Amoroso

UPDATE November 20, 2019:

The San Luis Obispo Police Department and Laguna Middle School Administrators have identified the person responsible for writing the threatening message on the girl’s bathroom mirror. A 13-year-old female Laguna Middle School student is believed to have written the message “School Shooting 12-02-19.” It is also believed the student did this with the knowledge and encouragement of two of her friends. Due to the student’s ages their names will not be released.

San Luis Obispo Police believe the message was written to support a trend currently being encouraged on TikTok. (a popular social media application) Numerous TikTok videos have been circulating during the last several weeks urging teens to skip school on December 2nd, 2019. The student who wrote this message was believed to have been following this trend and used the writing as a means to get other students to skip school on December 2nd. Police do not believe the students involved had any intent to threaten anyone, or to follow through with a shooting or any other acts of violence.

During their investigation, San Luis Obispo Police Detectives worked closely with school administrators, staff and counselors. The student’s parents were notified and informed about the serious nature of this incident. After a thorough investigation, no arrests were made, and all the students involved in this incident will be dealt with administratively through the school district. Police and school officials feel confident this matter was dealt with aggressively and swiftly, and there is no ongoing threat towards Laguna Middle School students, staff or their families.

The San Luis Obispo Police Department strongly encourages anyone with information regarding threats towards any members of our school populations to immediately notify law enforcement.







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INITIAL RELEASE November 19, 2019:

On November 18, 2019 Laguna Middle School Administrators notified the San Luis Obispo Police Department about a threatening message found inside one of the girl’s restrooms. At approximately 5:45 pm, a small group of students found the words, “School Shooting 12-02-19” written on a mirror inside the restroom. The students notified school administrators who then contacted the police department. Police immediately began an investigation into this matter.

The San Luis Obispo Police Department’s School Resource Officer and Detectives are currently conducting an investigation to determine who is responsible for writing this message. While the intent of this message is not certain, the police department’s main concern is the safety of the Laguna Middle School students, staff and families who attend the school. During the time this message was discovered, school administrators said there were several events taking place at the school, and there were over 100 students present. Laguna Middle School staff and parents of the students have been notified of this incident by the school’s administration. Procedures have been put in place to increase the public safety, and that of Laguna Middle School until this incident is resolved.

While police continue to investigate this matter, they are asking anyone with information about this incident to contact the San Luis Obispo Police Department. To remain anonymous, you can also notify Crime Stoppers at 805-549-7867.