Juvenile in Custody After Threatening Online School, Tolleson PD Responds

TOLLESON, Ariz. — The Tolleson Police Department announced the arrest of a juvenile involved in online threats aimed at local schools. The threats surfaced on May 8 and targeted several institutions in the southwest Valley.

Law enforcement officials quickly assessed the situation and determined the threats were not credible. Following a thorough investigation, police apprehended a juvenile who reportedly confessed to posting the threats on social media.

Authorities have confirmed that the juvenile lacked the means to carry out any violent acts. Currently, there are no valid threats against the schools in question.

In addition to Tolleson, the Phoenix Metropolitan Area, known locally as “The Valley,” comprises several major cities including Mesa, Chandler, and Scottsdale. This region, home to a combined population of approximately 4.8 million, ranks as the 11th largest metropolitan area in the United States.

Maricopa County, encompassing a significant portion of the Valley’s population, is the fourth largest county in the nation. According to the 2020 Census, it has a population of 4.5 million and spans over 9,200 square miles, larger than seven U.S. states.

The county features one of the largest park systems in the country, with around 120,000 acres of parks and trails available for public use. The county seat is Phoenix, which also serves as Arizona’s capital and is the fifth most populous city in the nation.

Named after the Maricopa Native American Tribe, the county reflects a rich cultural heritage and offers extensive outdoor spaces for residents and visitors alike.