SAN MARCOS, Calif. (KGTV) - A possible school shooting threat made against San Marcos High School was deemed "unsubstantiated" by sheriff's officials, but there will be an increased law enforcement presence at the school on Tuesday.
San Diego County sheriff's officials confirmed Tuesday morning that investigators found "images and wording related to a recent arrest in South Carolina regarding a school shooting threat" on Snapchat.
Sheriff's officials added: "With cooperation from the social media outlet, it appears there were no specific threats targeting San Marcos High School, but images from the South Carolina incident were reposted. Although the current threats appear to be unsubstantiated, there will be an increased law enforcement presence at San Marcos High School throughout the day to ensure the safety of students and faculty."
Patrols were also stepped up at other district schools.
An update from Superintendent Hunt pic.twitter.com/LLnQI17hHj
— San Marcos USD (@SanMarcosUSD) February 20, 2018
Despite the updated information from sheriff's officials and school staff, many parents decided to keep their kids home from school on Tuesday.
San Marcos High School Principal Adam Dawson praised the students who came forward with the social media posts. He told 10News he is encouraging an open dialogue with students and parents regarding school threats.
Possible threat spotted on social media
On Monday evening, several parents of San Marcos High School students informed 10News about a supposed threat posted on Snapchat.
In an email, a parent told 10News: "San Marcos High School has received a threat from a student that there will be shooting tomorrow. The threat came through Snapchat. A message has been sent to parents that they are investigating the situation."
Another parent forwarded the message sent to her by the San Marcos Unified School District, informing parents and students that the school will have increased security on Tuesday.
Melissa Hunt, the superintendent of the San Marcos Unified School District, sent this email to parents:
"This is Melissa Hunt, Superintendent of San Marcos Unified School District, this evening we were alerted to social media rumors of a possible shooting at San Marcos High School.
Law enforcement is actively investigating. Deputies will be posted at the school tomorrow. While these rumors are unsubstantiated at this point we are taking them very seriously.
We also appreciate the community members who alerted us with the district and law enforcement. Your students will be safe and protected at school."
One student who saw the threat told 10News, "I started crying, to be honest, because It's making me so anxious and nervous. It's kind of ridiculous that I have to choose … do I have to go to school? And I know I am just going to be on edge the entire day … or do I want to skip school?"
