GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – On Friday, December 16, 2022, at approximately 11:12 am, the Gridley Police Department was notified of a possible bomb threat at the Gridley High School (GHS) campus, located at 300 East Spruce Street in Gridley. The location houses 9th through 12th grade students as well as additional staff and faculty members.

After the initial evacuation of students, staff and faculty from the immediate campus, Officers with the Gridley Police Department, members of the Butte County Inter-Agency Bomb Squad and GHS Administrative staff conducted an extensive search of the school grounds and classrooms for any suspicious packages or other devices.

No such packages or devices were located.

At approximately 1:13 pm, the campus was declared to be safe allowing students, staff, and faculty to return to campus.

Gridley Police Department Officers, with the assistance of GHS Administrative Staff, conducted a thorough investigation into the reported bomb threat. During the investigation, a 15-year-old juvenile suspect was identified. The suspect was subsequently detained, arrested and later booked into the Butte County Juvenile Hall for violation of one (1) count of section 148.1(c) of the California Penal Code (reporting a false bomb threat to any person). Based upon the age of the juvenile, the name will not be released.

Incidents such as these are of the highest priority for the Gridley Police Department and will have the appropriate resolution for the protection of not only the Gridley Unified School District students, staff, and faculty members, but for all the members of the Gridley Community. It is with the cooperation of everyone that incidents such as these are resolved in a timely and just manner.

The Gridley Police Department would like to highlight that the relationship with GHS Administration, Staff and Faculty Members was a key component to the quick resolution of this investigation. I would also like to thank members of the Butte County Inter-Agency Bomb Squad for their very rapid response and assistance with this incident.

This investigation is ongoing. Anyone who may have additional information is encouraged to contact the Gridley Police Department, Officer Anthony Lara or Officer Emma Ziebarth at (530) 846-5670.