Two people accused of making threats against Bell Gardens High School were found with stolen firearms, body armor, high-capacity magazines and ammunition when they were arrested over the weekend, police said.
Police were notified of a social media post Sunday that included what were described as possible threats of violence at Bell Gardens High School, police said. The post included a video that showed a person with a handgun and images of the high school, Chief Scott Fairfield said.
Detectives arrested the two suspects, identified only as adults, after a surveillance operation that led to a traffic stop, police said. Officers saw the individuals place a suitcase in the truck, Fairfield said.
After pulling over the car with expired registration tags, a search of the suit in the trunk turned up two stolen firearms, body armor, high-capacity magazines and ammunition, Sgt. John Acosta said in a statement.
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"It contained numerous items of concern," Fairfield said. "We're confident that the weapon shown in the video is one of the guns that we have in custody."
Both individuals were arrested without incident. The driver of the car was later released.
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Fairfield said the suspect lives in Bell Gardens, but is not a student or former student at the school.
Classes were scheduled to begin at their usual times Monday on the campus southeast of downtown Los Angeles.
"The immediate threat pertaining to the social media post is contained," Principal Miguel Miranda said in a statement sent Sunday to families. "The Bell Gardens Police Department continues to investigate the situation. School will begin at its normal time, 8:30 a.m. and out of an abundance of caution we will have an increased police presence at school tomorrow.
"The safety of our students, staff, and school community continues to be our top priority. Any matters relating to safety on our campuses will be addressed swiftly and appropriately."
Anyone with information about the case was asked to contact the Bell Gardens Police Department at 562-806-7632.
