Summerton Police Arrest Man Over Threat to School

Summerton, Ariz. – The Summerton Police Department (SPD) has detained a man after he allegedly made a verbal threat towards an elementary school.

Reports indicate that a 32-year-old man entered the lobby of Tierra del Sol Elementary School Tuesday morning around 10:05 a.m. and threatened to harm a child.

Following his exit, school staff immediately initiated lockdown procedures as a safety measure, prompting the police to be alerted.

SPD Police Commissioner Alacelli Juarez detailed the protocol for dealing with threats at schools, stating, “As soon as our dispatcher informs us, there is a threat to one of our schools, all available officers respond promptly.”

The suspect’s vehicle was located, leading to his arrest near U.S. Highway 95 and Avenue G around 11:10 a.m. At the time of capture, he was reportedly unarmed.

He has been booked at the Yuma County Detention Center, currently held on a $200,000 bond, and is scheduled for a court appearance Friday morning.

Local resident Paul de Anda, who works close to the school, expressed sadness over the incident. “That’s scary, right? You can’t imagine being a parent and someone threatening a child openly,” he noted.

De Anda, however, appreciates the swift response from the Yuma County Sheriff’s Office and the SPD. “It’s comforting to see how well all the public safety agencies work together,” he said.

Chief Juarez addressed parents’ concerns, emphasizing the importance of patience in such situations. He advised against overwhelming the station with calls, as this can divert resources needed to locate the suspect.

The SPD has stated that “all threats are taken seriously, especially when it comes to child safety,” and confirmed that the lockdown at the school has now been lifted.