Threat of School Violence - Petaluma High School
Incident: Threat of School Violence
Report Number: 23-1087
Occurred Date : March 14, 2023
Occurred Time: 2:38 PM
Location: Petaluma High School, 201 Fair Street
Suspect(s): Unknown
Incident Summary:
On March 14, 2023, at 2:38 pm, the Petaluma Police Department received a call from administrators at Petaluma High School regarding a threat of violence. Officers learned during a class students were utilizing a shared document which was being viewed both on a monitor in the classroom and on the student’s laptops, creating a scenario similar to a live stream. The document could be accessed by anyone who possessed the link and did not require the users to provide their names or credentials.
The students began noticing multiple anonymous users editing the document and adding inappropriate content. The content escalated to the threat of a sexual assault and then a threat of violence, specifically mentioning bringing at assault rifle to school tomorrow, Wednesday, March 15, 2023. The comments made throughout the live stream were random and it appeared the authors were attempting to top the previous one in terms of shock value.
Officers have interviewed multiple students and are working to determine if forensic evidence exists to aid in identifying the authors of the comments. Additional details are not available at this time due to this being an ongoing investigation.
We recognize the stress and anxiety these situations create for students, parents, and community members. Both the Petaluma Police Department and Petaluma City Schools take all threats of violence in our schools seriously. We are working collaboratively to create a safe environment on campus. Petaluma City School staff and Petaluma police officers will have an increased presence on and around the Petaluma High School campus at school tomorrow.
Media inquiries can be directed to Lieutenant Garrett Glaviano at (707)778-4439.
Address/Location
Petaluma Police Department
969 Petaluma Blvd N
Petaluma, CA 94952
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 707-778-4372
TEXT-A-TIP - Text TIP PETPD followed by your message, to 888777