San Diego County

SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
NEWS RELEASE INFORMATION SHEET

Subject:

School Threat - West Hills High School

Person Providing Information:

Lieutenant Chris Steffen

Email Address of Provider:

chris.steffen@sdsheriff.org

Telephone number of Provider:

(619) 956-4000

Media Contact:

Lt. Chris Steffen

Date of Release:

February 28, 2018

Time of Release:

11:00 a.m.

SYNOPSIS:

Lieutenant Chris Steffen is available for media interviews regarding this incident at the Santee Sheriff's Station,
8811 Cuyamaca Street, Santee. Meet Lt. Steffen at 11:30 a.m. outside the station.
A 14-year-old ninth grade student at West Hills High School in Santee is under arrest after posting a
threatening message on social media.
Deputies from the Santee Sheriff's Station were alerted to the post by the school's assistant principal on
Tuesday, February 27th around 10:00 p.m. The student posted a picture of an AR-15 rifle made out of LEGOs
on Instagram with the caption, "Don't come to school tomorrow." Another student asked the suspect to take
down the post due to its threatening implications, but he refused. The assistant principal also relayed
information that other students were in fear of this student.
Deputies investigated the post and tracked the student to an address in the City of Lemon Grove. His mother
and step-father were contacted. It was learned he had access to hunting rifles. The investigation is ongoing to
determine if this student has access to other weapons. He was booked into Juvenile Hall on a felony charge of
making a criminal threat. It is the policy of the Sheriff's Department not to release identifying information about
juvenile arrestees.
The Sheriff's Department and local school districts take every threat seriously and nothing can be dismissed or
ignored.
We want to remind students that if they hear any threats of violence or even potential violence, they can
always approach our school resource deputies or call the anonymous Crime Stoppers Students Speaking Out
Tip Line at (888) 580‐8477 or the Sheriff's Department at (858) 565‐5200.
Media Relations – (858) 974-2259
Non-Emergency Line – (858) 565-5200
PAD-3 6/2016