Student Held in Alleged Threats

Police arrested a 17-year-old La Quinta High School football player Friday for allegedly threatening to shoot and kill coaches and players Thursday at a practice, police said.

Apparently angry at being teased about an injury, the boy threatened to go home, get his parents’ guns and shoot coaches and players, police said.

School authorities notified police at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, about four hours after the teen had gone home after practice.

The school’s principal, Jim Monahan, declined to comment on the incident.

Police said classmates described the student, a senior whose name was withheld because he is a juvenile, as having a “quick temper.”

“[School officials] felt it was enough of a threat that they called the police,” said Westminster police Lt. Bob Burnett. “We took this seriously with all the shootings at schools, and he does have access to firearms. We’re highly sensitive to that.”

Police arrested the boy without incident Friday morning at his home in Fountain Valley. His parents said there was no threat of attack; they had the guns under lock and key.

The teen was booked on suspicion of making terrorist threats and taken to Orange County Juvenile Hall. School authorities will decide what if any disciplinary actions they will take.