Advisory
Threat of School Violence - Petaluma High School - Update
On 3/14/2023, the Petaluma Police Department initiated an investigation related to threats made during a third period class on a software platform that provided a digital link to students in three separate classes totaling more than 80 students. Investigators learned that during class students were utilizing a shared document which was being viewed both on a monitor in the classroom and on student laptops at each desk, creating a scenario similar to a live stream. The document could be accessed by anyone who possessed the link and users used an incognito function in the software to change their long-in information to an anonymous username.
When multiple anonymous user profiles were created, they began to edit the document using racial slurs, posting pornographic images, posting threats of sexual violence, a statement about a “hit list” and a mention of an “AR15” and “223 casings.” The “hit list” included a screenshot of all the people currently looking at the document, including what appeared to be three (3) students logged in anonymously. Several students were interviewed, but none of them claimed to have knowledge of who made the edits, and all of them denied involvement in the incident. The school administration and the police department continue to follow any viable leads and evidence to identify the student(s) involved in this incident. Interviews of students who had access to the document continue to deny any involvement and they believe the threats to be a “joke” and not credible. As of Thursday afternoon, investigators have not found any evidence that leads us to believe this is or was a credible threat.
Regardless, the Petaluma Police Department and Petaluma City Schools take all threats seriously. We recognize the fear this has created, and we condemn this type of behavior and the perpetrator(s) for making anybody feel unsafe in what is meant to be a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. This investigation is ongoing and once the perpetrator(s) are identified, they will be held accountable.
Investigators are asking for help from anyone with information, especially students, to come forward to the Petaluma Police Department or a member of the Petaluma High School faculty. Anyone with information can make an anonymous tip to the STOPIt application or to the Police Department at [email protected] or by calling (707) 778-4373.
Threat of School Violence - Petaluma High School - Update 
Incident: Update on Threat Investigation at Petaluma High School
Report Number: 23-1087
Occurred Date: 3/14/2023
Location: Petaluma High School
Report Number: 23-1087
Occurred Date: 3/14/2023
Location: Petaluma High School
On 3/14/2023, the Petaluma Police Department initiated an investigation related to threats made during a third period class on a software platform that provided a digital link to students in three separate classes totaling more than 80 students. Investigators learned that during class students were utilizing a shared document which was being viewed both on a monitor in the classroom and on student laptops at each desk, creating a scenario similar to a live stream. The document could be accessed by anyone who possessed the link and users used an incognito function in the software to change their long-in information to an anonymous username.
When multiple anonymous user profiles were created, they began to edit the document using racial slurs, posting pornographic images, posting threats of sexual violence, a statement about a “hit list” and a mention of an “AR15” and “223 casings.” The “hit list” included a screenshot of all the people currently looking at the document, including what appeared to be three (3) students logged in anonymously. Several students were interviewed, but none of them claimed to have knowledge of who made the edits, and all of them denied involvement in the incident. The school administration and the police department continue to follow any viable leads and evidence to identify the student(s) involved in this incident. Interviews of students who had access to the document continue to deny any involvement and they believe the threats to be a “joke” and not credible. As of Thursday afternoon, investigators have not found any evidence that leads us to believe this is or was a credible threat.
Regardless, the Petaluma Police Department and Petaluma City Schools take all threats seriously. We recognize the fear this has created, and we condemn this type of behavior and the perpetrator(s) for making anybody feel unsafe in what is meant to be a safe and inclusive learning environment for all students. This investigation is ongoing and once the perpetrator(s) are identified, they will be held accountable.
Investigators are asking for help from anyone with information, especially students, to come forward to the Petaluma Police Department or a member of the Petaluma High School faculty. Anyone with information can make an anonymous tip to the STOPIt application or to the Police Department at [email protected] or by calling (707) 778-4373.
Address/Location
Petaluma Police Department
969 Petaluma Blvd N
Petaluma, CA 94952
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 707-778-4372