Juvenile arrested after allegedly making threats at South Tahoe Middle School

A South Tahoe Middle School student was arrested after allegedly making threats to bring a gun to the school's dance Friday night and harm students.

Officers from the South Lake Tahoe Police Department (SLTPD) made contact with the young man at his home. The residence was searched and at this time it is believed that he did not have access to any firearms.

Due to the nature of the threats, and the number of other students who were placed in fear by them, the male juvenile was arrested and booked into the El Dorado County Juvenile Treatment Center on Criminal Threats, a felony.

Both the school dance at the middle school and at South Tahoe High School will still be held. Extra chaperone help and law enforcement will be at both locations to ensure the safety of the students.

Lake Tahoe Unified School District spokesperson Shannon Chandler said the administration understands that the climate around school safety is heightened throughout the country.

"Our schools are working to educate students on the significance of their unintentional speech and the consequences of making impulsive or thoughtless comments around the very serious topic of school violence,: wrote Chandler in a statement. "At the same time, students are reminded that if they "See Something, Say Something."

The South Lake Tahoe Police Department wants to impress on our youth that such threats will not be tolerated and enforcement action will be taken.

"We also want to commend our youth who had the courage to report this to their school staff. Working together, we can maintain the safe community we enjoy in South Lake Tahoe," said SLTPD Lt. Shannon Laney.

Due to the age of the juvenile no other information is available.