HOLLISTER, CALIFORNIA – May 23rd, 2024 – On May 22nd, Hollister Police officers arrested a 14-year-old juvenile for making threats to commit a school shooting in posts on Facebook and Instagram.
On May 22nd, the Federal Bureau of Investigation contacted the Hollister Police Department and advised they had been tracking a series of threats that had been posted online by a juvenile Hollister resident. A quick check of that subject’s history revealed that they had already been arrested previously for similar threats to commit school violence.
Our on duty patrol team received a packet of information from the FBI that contained a series of posts the subject had been making on social media channels where he discussed plans of committing a school shooting, other posts indicating the subject was seeking out rifles and other firearms, and a disturbing fake newspaper page the subject created that described a school shooting scenario in which he was named as the shooter. The juvenile also made several posts that appeared to show him posing with a carbine style rifle. No school was mentioned, but the information was specific and credible enough to warrant follow-up and an arrest.
Around 10 pm, our patrol teams made contact with the juvenile and their family and conducted a search of their residence. Our staff located a replica firearm consistent with the pictures the subject had posted online. No working firearms were located.
The juvenile was transported and lodged at the San Benito County Youth Services Center on a probation hold, and charges for other related offenses. We would like to thank our partners at the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the San Benito County Probation Department for their assistance. There are no other credible threats at this time. However, the Hollister Police Department will have an increased presence around schools this week as a precaution.
This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding these investigations are requested to contact The Hollister Police Department at 831-636-4331. Persons wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME.
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Prepared by: B. Leland, Sergeant
Approved by: E.Olson, Captain
Case #24-1409
