By Danny Kelleher
Executive News Editor
Detectives from the Manhattan Beach Police Department arrested a male 16-year-old Mira Costa student at his home in Manhattan Beach at 3:40 p.m. on Feb. 7.
The student was arrested for allegedly making criminal threats to at least four other Mira Costa students and one Costa teacher, along with the charge of possession of marijuana with intent to sell.
Although nothing official has been released, sources close to the situation say the student is a sophomore.
“If there is one lesson I can impart to all parents and teachers from this incident, it is that I am thankful for parents and teachers who make efforts to talk to and listen to our children and help them make good decisions,” MBUSD Superintendent Dr. Michael Matthews said in a Feb. 8 community press release.
According to Mira Costa Principal Ben Dale’s Feb. 8 email to the Mira Costa community, the student “will be suspended, pending a recommendation for expulsion.”
“My most solemn responsibility is to ensure a safe learning environment for all students and staff,” Dale said in the email. “It is a daunting task, and, therefore, requires a team effort.”
After his arrest, the minor was taken into temporary custody at the MBPD station’s juvenile holding area and then transported to Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall to await trial, Mira Costa Security Resource Officer John Loy said.
“With adults, you can lock them up, you know, old school, behind bars,” Loy said. “With kids, you have to put them in a half-door cell with a supervisor.”
According to the MBPD press release, detectives acted on a tip that the student made threats to Costa students and staff.
“All of the specifics of the threats are currently being investigated,” MBPD Public Information Officer Stephanie Martin said in the press release.
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