CHOWCHILLA – The Chowchilla Police Department notified the Chowchilla Union High School District administration of a violent threat to the high school populations Thursday evening. The police department with the Madera County Sheriff's Department responded to this threat and a suspect was taken into custody by 10:00 p.m. that night.
Friday morning a rumor of a second possible threat and possible weapon on the campus at CUHS was spread through social media. These social media posts had few facts and no specific names of alleged suspects. To rule out the possible threat and any weapons on campus, the Chowchilla Police Department along with the administration decided to call a precautionary lockdown. During this precautionary lockdown, all classrooms were searched as well as all students and their belongings.
There were no weapons found and there was no evidence that this second threat was credible. The precautionary lockdown lasted approximately three hours. According to the Chowchilla Police all students were very cooperative and patient through this event.
While parents were not able to pick up their kids until Chowchilla Police are finished investigating, students were encouraged to call/text/email their parents so that they knew their children were safe and secure. The students were released directly to lunch from the lockdown just before 1:00 p.m.
On a Facebook post Eileen Reyes said, “My daughter-in-laws sister told her she seen the post tonight (Thursday) and I heard the kid who was arrested was being bullied and getting into fights at school”
Chowchilla Union High School Superintendent Ron Seals said in a press release, “Safety is paramount at the Chowchilla Union High School District in everything we do for our students. We are blessed to live in a community that protects the children. Chowchilla Tribe, Community Wide! Strength comes in numbers!”
Big Valley News would like to remind parents that social media can have positive results when used carefully and responsibly. When used for careless and reckless comments, statements, allegations, and opinions….social media quickly becomes destructive to our society. Please use social media responsibly and teach your children to do the same.
