A 15-year-old Turlock boy is facing criminal charges after calling in threats to harm Pitman High School students, according to the Turlock Police Department.

Investigators believe the threats were nothing more than a hoax, with the teenager “lacking the intent or resources to carry out an attack at the school,” said Turlock Police spokesperson Sgt. Stephen Webb.

The incident began around 12:20 p.m. Tuesday when Pitman High School received a call from an individual threatening to harm the students on campus. Within a few minutes of the call, the Turlock Police Department received a call from an individual repeating the same threats, Webb said.

Pitman High school staff, the on-site Turlock Police School Resource Officer and additional Turlock Police Officers immediately searched the school grounds and surrounding areas to ensure the safety of the students and staff and determined there was no threat present.

Investigators started working to identify the caller, and by Wednesday were able to trace the calls back to a residence, where the 15-year-old boy was located and taken into custody, Webb said.

The 15-year-old was booked into Stanislaus County Jail on multiple criminal charges related to the threats, Webb said.

The investigation will continue to determine if any other locations were threatened and if any other person(s) were involved. 
Anyone with any information about this incident is urged to contact Detective James Brewer at 664-7331. 

The Turlock Police Department is an active participant in the Crime Stoppers Program. Callers can leave an anonymous tip by calling Crime Stoppers at 521-4636 and may be eligible for a cash reward.