2 teens arrested in Kofa bomb threat
Somerton police: Parent finds threatening text messages on son’s cellphone, turns him in
Two 15-year-old boys have been arrested for allegedly conspiring in text messages between themselves to “blow up” Kofa High School, Somerton police said.
Both boys, one from Somerton and the other a resident of Yuma, have been booked into the Yuma County Juvenile Detention Center on charges of interference with or disruption of an educational institution and threatening to cause physical injury to someone or serious damage to property.
The investigation and arrests occurred early Wednesday morning and did not require the school to suspend classes, according to Yuma Union High School District officials.
The high school also issued the following statement:
“We were informed (by the Yuma and Somerton police departments) early this morning of an alleged threat directed towards the school. Kofa and YUHSD worked with both agencies, and suspects were identified and taken into custody. Working with guidance from law enforcement, it was determined that there was no imminent danger and no additional threat. This is consistent with how we have handled previous incidents. Parents can be assured that if there was a danger to the school or anything that would affect the regular course of the school day, they would be informed in a timely manner through all available channels.”
Somerton Police Chief Joseph Turitto explained that shortly before noon on Tuesday his department received a call from a Somerton resident who told them that he had discovered threatening text messages on his son’s cellphone.
“The texts identified Kofa High School as the target of a bomb and also specified a time for the attack,” Turitto stated.
Police interviewed the Somerton youth at his home and arrested him.
The other youth was identified with the help of Kofa High School and a school resource officer, and Somerton detectives and Yuma police arrested him at his home in Yuma.
Searches of both boys’ residences turned up no evidence that the youths had the means to carry out a bombing, according to Turitto.
No other people are thought to have been involved in the incident.
Juvenile Detention Center Deputy Director Ignacio Galindo said the Yuma County Attorney’s Office has until 5 p.m. Wednesday to file a petition against the two teens, indicating what charges have been filed against them. If none are filed, they will be released.
Galindo also stated that the two teens are scheduled to appear before Judge Mark Reeves at 1:30 p.m. Thursday at the Juvenile Center for what is known as a detention hearing.
At that hearing, the judge will determine whether the two teens will remain in custody or be released to their parents while their cases are being adjudicated.
James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 5396854. Find him on Facebook at www. Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.