Teen arrested after threat sparks lockdown at west Phoenix high school

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — A teen was arrested within 24 hours after a threat sparked a lockdown and a significant police presence at a west Phoenix high school earlier this week.

On Thursday, authorities identified and located the teen girl who allegedly made the threat against Sierra Linda High School. According to Phoenix police, the girl admitted she was involved and claimed the threat was “meant to be a joke and got out of hand.”

On Wednesday, school staff began receiving information from students about several concerning messages circulating on social media. Around 11 a.m., police say a message showed a photograph of a common space at the school, and the school was placed on lockdown to ensure all students were in their classrooms.

Phoenix police officers were called to search the school and investigate the alleged threats. Once it was deemed safe, students were released at their normal time.

Authorities say the incident “caused a school disruption and wasted valuable resources.”

The teen was booked on multiple felonies, including terroristic threats, computer tampering and disruption of an educational institution.

Authorities are continuing to encourage students and parents to report threats to police or school staff. Police warn the public not to repost the threat on social media, as it complicates the investigation and can spread misinformation.

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