A Jurupa Valley middle school was the epicenter of a chilling incident this week as a 12-year-old student was taken into custody for reportedly threatening to carry out violence against classmates. A subsequent home investigation by authorities unearthed a cache of weapons including assault rifles and a handgun.
Officials with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said they swooped in on the middle school situated in the 8000 block of Galena Avenue after the threats were reported at about 3:20 p.m. on Thursday. There, a swift probe led them to swiftly execute a search warrant at a residence on the 5000 block of Baldwin Avenue. According to an official statement obtained by Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, detectives found and seized three assault rifles, one handgun, and an arsenal of ammunition.
The incident didn't just stop at the juvenile's apprehension. Forty-two-year-old Rolando Sida Sr., who is believed to reside at the home, was also arrested. The man is now facing a slew of charges, including possession of assault weapons, child endangerment, and having unsecured firearms accessible to minors.
Both the pre-teen and Sida Sr. were taken into custody, the man being booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center while the youth was also booked for criminal threats. The Sheriff’s office has not yet opted to disclose further details, noting that it remains an ongoing probe. A call to action has been put forth, however, with those who have information being urged to contact Deputy C. Johnson at the Jurupa Valley Station at 951–955–2600 as reported by KTLA.
Community members and school officials are on high alert as the investigation continues to unravel the full extent of the threat and how a child came to be entangled in such a grave situation.
