Police determine San Benito High School threat is “not credible”

The Hollister Police Department says a reported threat against San Benito High School was not credible. Investigators say the lesson is to be careful what you say.

By late morning Friday, it was business as usual at San Benito High School … but Thursday night, school officials began hearing rumors of a possible threat to the school made by a student.

John Perales, Superintendent San Benito High School District says, “Immediately (we) realized it was probably a joke but this morning we had the police force over here. We were able to discover the student who made the statement and thank God it was a joke.”

After interviewing students, police decided it wasn’t a credible threat.

Capt. Carlos Reynoso, Hollister PD said, “It was quickly investigated and it was determined it wasn’t a meaningful threat, it was just something that one of the kids was saying without thinking through the consequences of his words.”

The school says it will discipline the student and notified parents by phone and Facebook that the threat wasn’t real.

Across the street, a neighbor expressed both relief and frustration. Two of his family members work at the school, and his a daughter attends classes there.

Bodey Destefanis, neighbor said, “It’s really bad because you worry about your kid. In my case, I have to worry about my kid, my wife, and my mother in law and I don’t want to see any kids hurt over there.”

In the wake of recent threats against the New York and Los Angeles School Districts, police say they take all threats seriously, and students must be careful in what they say.

“It’s a reminder to everyone in the times we live in today, to choose the words you say wisely, especially in consideration of recent history and dangers to the public, schools and county buildings,” said Capt. Reynoso.