A student was taken into custody at the STEAM Academy in Spring Valley after being suspected of making threats and bringing a BB gun—an imitation firearm—onto school grounds. According to a press release from the San Diego County Sheriff's Office, the incident was reported just before 2:30 p.m. yesterday, and deputies responded swiftly. The school, part of the East County education hub, was put on secure campus status shortly before 3:00 p.m., restricting the movement of students and staff.
The decision to secure the campus was made after school administrators had identified and located the suspect while the educational process continued behind locked classroom doors. Having been sent to the office by the time law enforcement arrived, the student’s identity was withheld due to their juvenile status and the Sheriff's policy on minors.
Law enforcement, including additional deputies and K-9 units from nearby Sheriff's Substations, carried out an exhaustive search of the premises, room by room, which resulted in a BB gun being found. As the Sheriff’s Office detailed, the secure campus status was lifted around 5:00 p.m., and peace of mind was restored to parents as they collected their children once the all-clear was given.
The juvenile was booked on charges of making criminal threats and openly exposing a replica firearm in a public space in the Juvenile Hall. Students are encouraged to reach out to School Resource Deputies or utilize the anonymous Student Speaking Out Hotline at (888) 580-8477 to report any concerning behavior or threats.
