A potentially catastrophic event was averted at Rancho Bernardo High School when administrators took quick action after learning of threats made by a student. The student and his father were taken into custody, according to the Poway Unified School District, ABC 10News reported.
Rancho Bernardo High School, or RBHS, is a public high school in the Poway Unified School District in San Diego County, California.
Christine Pike, director of communications for the Poway Unified School District, told ABC 10News that authorities arrested the student last Friday, January 26.
The arrest followed a disturbing series of events that began when vigilant students reported disturbing videos and statements among students detailing the planned attack on the school scheduled for Tuesday, January 30.
“This is a situation where everything went well,” Pike said.
“The students watched some videos, heard some statements that were really concerning, and I think based on what was found in the search warrant, those concerns were valid.”
Upon receiving the disturbing reports, school officials did not hesitate to contact the San Diego Police Department (SDPD).
“Late yesterday afternoon, students reported to us that they witnessed another student showing disturbing videos and making threatening statements against others and the school. Law enforcement was immediately contacted and began an investigation yesterday evening,” a letter from Principal Hans Becker said, per NBC San Diego.
“After deputies met with the student, they were taken into custody and all families of the affected students were notified. We want to assure you that we will work very closely with law enforcement and the City Attorney's Office to address the matter appropriately, in accordance with PUSD and police procedures. “We appreciate that our partners take this seriously.”
“I want to commend the students who acted responsibly by reporting what they heard. Please use this opportunity to remind your children, if they see something, say something to continue keeping our community safe through our collective vigilance.”
The unidentified student was then arrested and taken to the juvenile hall on suspicion of making threats.
After the student was arrested, an order was issued restricting the use of firearms. The San Diego Police Department conducted a thorough search of the juvenile's home. This investigation led to the startling discovery of numerous firearms and potentially dangerous materials.
“The teen's parents were contacted regarding the incident. A firearms restraining order was issued and served on the juvenile. A search warrant was obtained and served on the juvenile's residence to secure any firearms they may have access to,” authorities said.
In a later development, Neil Anders, the 45-year-old father of the accused student, was arrested on Monday and booked into the San Diego County Jail on several charges.
A detailed search of the Anders family residence revealed a disturbing array of weapons and materials, including stealth rifles, bomb-making components, emergency food supplies, and multiple computers. The San Diego Fire Bomb Squad also removed an RPG rocket launcher from the home.
“You're looking at multiple assault rifles, shotguns, handguns, a grenade launcher…” SDPD Chief David Nisleit told ABC 10 News. “This was supposed to be an extremely violent act, and that's why I'm so proud that we're able to stop this kind of thing.”
“The San Diego Police Department takes all reports of potential threats to our schools and the public very seriously. SDPD's Northeast Division, Ghost Gun Team, MAST, and Threat Management Unit worked tirelessly and collaboratively in this case to ensure the safety of the students at Rancho Bernardo High School and all residents. I commend “For their outstanding work.”
Neil Anders now faces multiple charges, including possession of illegal firearms and manufacturing assault weapons, and is being held on $300,000 bail.
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