Sonoma middle school student arrested on suspicion of making criminal threats

No gun was believed to be at school.|

A Sonoma County Sheriff's officer was dispatched to a Sonoma Valley school Thursday morning on a report of criminal threats made by a student, officials said.

A Sonoma County Sheriff School Resource Officer went to Altimira Middle School after receiving a report from the school that a 12-year-old boy displayed an object that resembled a gun holster, the sheriff's office said, but no gun was believed to be accessible at the school or at the students' residence. Students reported the incidents to school administrators.

Following an investigation, officials confirmed the report that the student made criminal threats involving a gun to harm other students, and that student was arrested. Because of the student's age, officials are not releasing the arrested student's name.

District officials notified school families of the incident on Thursday afternoon.

'We are grateful for the continued support of Sonoma County Sheriff's Department and the courage and responsibility of one of our students who brought this information to our attention,' said Superintendent Socorro Shiels in the letter to school families. 'We take these allegations seriously and will continue to work together with students and parents to ensure safety everyday at our campus.'

School administration and Sonoma County Sheriff's Office Violent Crimes Unit acted immediately and took appropriate actions to ensure the safety of all students and staff, the sheriff's office said.

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