Bus driver hears teenager say he wants to 'shoot up the school.' Police intervene

A bus driver who heard a teenager make a threat to "shoot up the school" alerted Fresno police, who then arrested the juvenile.

Shortly after 5 p.m. Thursday, police responded to the bus, which was parked at First Street and Iowa Avenue in southeast Fresno, after the driver called emergency dispatchers and told them what the boy said. The driver also took the youth's backpack for safekeeping.

Officers arrived and the boy told them he made the statement, saying it would be funny and would "make him look cool to his friends," said police Lt. Mark Hudson. No weapons were found in the backpack when officers searched.

The teen was taken home to his grandmother, whom he lives with. She said her grandson had made previous references to shooting up a school, despite her telling him to stop such talk. A search warrant was granted so officers could check the woman's residence, and no weapons were uncovered.

The 13 year old was arrested on suspicion of making criminal threats and was booked in the county's Juvenile Justice Center.

This story was originally published March 2, 2018 at 1:51 PM with the headline "Bus driver hears teenager say he wants to 'shoot up the school.' Police intervene."