INDEPENDENT NEWSMEDIA
Surprise police arrested an 11-year-old student Monday morning in connection with reported threats he made to bring a gun to school and kill others.
Paradise Honors Middle School staff alerted the Surprise Police Department of the threat, authorities said.
Investigators learned the juvenile had told another student of his plan and the student told school officials, according to police.
Surprise police took the 11-year-old suspect into custody prior to the start of school day.
The suspect admitted to making threats of violence and has been booked into the Durango Juvenile Detention Center for making a terroristic threat and disorderly conduct, police said
“I applaud the bravery of the student who spoke up to protect his school and the partnership we have with all of our educational partners who work with us every day to ensure the safety of our schools, students and community,” Surprise Police Chief Benny Piña.
“Threats of violence toward our schools will not be tolerated and those who engage in this type of activity will be held fully accountable for their actions.”
Anyone with additional information regarding the incident is asked to contact the Surprise Police at 623-222-4000.