Heritage High student arrested in possession of 'ghost gun'

By Doug Spoon, Editor

A Heritage High School senior who police said posted social media threats of a school shooting was arrested Saturday in possession of a firearm, police said today.

The threats did not mention a specific school, but the 17-year-old male was confirmed to be a student at Heritage High. After Menifee Police Department officers received a call for service at 1:55 a.m. Saturday, detectives were called in to assume the investigation. It was learned that the suspect had been harassing students.

Detectives obtained a search warrant for the suspect and his residence, then located the suspect as he was returning home. He was arrested without incident. A search of the suspect revealed he was in possession of a “ghost gun” – a firearm that is created by assembling pieces, sold together in a kit or separately, to create a fully functioning firearm. These kits can be purchased without a background check and do not have serial numbers, making them accessible to people who are legally prohibited from purchasing firearms, including minors, according to the news release.

The suspect was also found to be in possession of a pair of brass knuckles. Detectives are trying to determine how the suspect came to be in possession of the ghost gun.

The suspect was booked into custody at Riverside County Juvenile Hall on charges including criminal threats, possession of brass knuckles, and possession of an unregistered firearm.

The investigation is ongoing. If anyone has any information regarding this social media threat, please contact Detective Terrence York at 951-723-1543 or tyork@menifeepolice.org.

Perris Union High School District emailed parents a copy of the police news release with the following addition:

"While there was no threat specific to Heritage High School, we wanted to be sure our families were aware of this Incident. Parents and guardians, please take the time to talk with your students about the appropriate use of social media. All threats of violence are taken seriously and we will continue to work diligently with our law enforcement partners to pursue any person of interest. Please also be aware that we have several mental health resources available for students and families, and you can find them here."