Full Notification

Case #: SMPD24-0012162
On Thursday, September 5, 2024, at approximately 8:25 AM, the Santa Maria Police Department (SMPD) received a tip from the FBI regarding a potential school threat circulating on TikTok/social media. A user had posted a threat to carry out a shooting at a school believed to be in Santa Maria.

The SMPD Patrol Division, Detective Bureau, and the Santa Maria FBI Office immediately launched a joint investigation. These investigations demand significant resources and can severely disrupt school operations.

Through swift action, investigators identified a 14-year-old male in Santa Maria as the source of the threat. By 9:00 AM, the juvenile was located at his residence in northeast Santa Maria and arrested. He was found to be in possession of a replica firearm and was cooperative with law enforcement.

The juvenile, enrolled in a local charter/home school program, was processed at SMPD and released to his guardian, as he did not meet the criteria for booking at the Santa Maria Juvenile Hall.

SMPD stresses that all threats, even those made in jest, are taken seriously. SMPD, alongside our local, state and federal partners, is committed to investigating and prosecuting such cases.

This case will be forwarded to the Santa Barbara County Juvenile Probation Department for further action related to threats charges.

Prepared by:

Daniel Rios, Lieutenant

Detective Bureau Supervisor

(805) 928 – 3781 ext. 1307

[email protected]