Bomb Threat Forces Evacuation at Maricopa High School, Authorities Investigate

Students and staff at Maricopa High School were evacuated this afternoon due to a bomb threat. The incident occurred shortly after a 14-year-old threatened a school shooting at Desert Wind Middle School, located approximately six miles to the east. The child has since been arrested.

Maricopa Unified School District spokesperson Mishell Terry directed media inquiries to an email from Principal Deana McNamee, who confirmed the threat. “This afternoon, we received a bomb threat against the Maricopa High School administration building,” stated McNamee. She noted that the Maricopa Police Department was notified and that students and staff from the administration building and the adjacent 200 building were moved to the courtyard during a thorough area search.

In her message, McNamee emphasized, “MHS has been placed in lockdown. We are taking appropriate measures to ensure the safety of all students and staff.” However, MPD spokesperson Monica Williams indicated that the threat currently appears to lack credibility. “We are investigating a bomb threat at the high school,” she confirmed, assuring the public of safety protocols in place.

The 200 building at MHS is a significant structure, serving as the hub for administrative functions, housing the school nurse, multiple offices, and conference rooms. McNamee communicated to parents around 1 p.m. that updates would follow as the situation developed.