O’NEALS–The Madera County Sheriff’s Office has been made aware of a potential threat on campus at Minarets High School. Deputies are responding to the school, and out of an abundance of caution, school officials have issued a lockdown order.
**There has been no activity or incident at this time.**
This investigation remains ongoing, and MCSO is working closely with Minarets administrators to identify and mitigate any potential risks to staff and students.
We will update this article when more information is available.
Update 9.16.2024
COMMUNITY UPDATE
Last week, the Madera County Sheriff’s Office received a threat called into a tip line regarding Minarets High School. School administration initiated a lockdown at that time, and MCSO responded to the site. Upon Deputies’ arrival, a thorough sweep of the campus was conducted, and no evidence of any potential threat was located.
We have since been made aware this incident was related to a nation-wide social media trend where various threats against schools were called into law enforcement agencies across the country on Friday the 13th.
We would like to once again reassure parents and the community there is no threat to students or staff related to last week’s incident.
MCSO works closely with our allied partners throughout the county school system to protect the safety of our children. We always take threats seriously, and are committed to maintaining public safety.
As a reminder, anyone caught making violent threats can be prosecuted. The Madera County Sheriff’s Communication Center can be reached 24/7 at (559) 675-7770.
Update 3:47 pm
The lockdown has been lifted and the kids are being released.
Update 3:44 pm
The check of the campus including Chawanakee classrooms has been completed. CHP is being requested for traffic control.
