Bomb Squad Unit Investigates Potential Bombs at High School

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, May 6, 1999
On Wednesday, May 5, 1999, at approximately 12:10 p.m., the Los Angeles Police Department’s Bomb Squad responded to Narbonne High School located in the 24300 block of Western Avenue in the Harbor Area.

An unidentified student on campus observed a subject remove an object from his person and place it on the ground in front of the cafeteria building. The object was described as a small black box.

The device was rendered safe by the Bomb Squad technicians. The object was not an explosive device. The subject was identified as a 15-year-old student at the High School and has been arrested for false or facsimile bomb.

Detectives from the Los Angeles Police Department Criminal Conspiracy Section are conducting this investigation. The students were evacuated to the athletic field and allowed to return after the school was cleared.

While conducting the investigation, detectives became aware of a second 15-year-old student at the High School who made threats about an improvised explosive device he threatened to detonate on campus. Detectives with the cooperation of school administrators identified the subject who is now being detained for additional investigation. A search of the campus was conducted and no device was found.

Authorities became aware of these two incidents due to the actions of observant and responsible students of the school, who obviously demonstrated a willingness to do the right thing by informing school authorities about suspicious and potentially dangerous activity.

Their quick actions in reporting what they saw and heard are commendable and are encouraged to prevent any future disruptive and potentially dangerous acts on school campuses.

The Los Angeles Police Department reminds the public that these types of threats will be treated very seriously and enforced to the maximum extent of the law.

For Release 11:35 am PST
May 6, 1999