Lompoc school hit with social media threat, school bus hit with BB pellets

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The Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Office beefed up security at Cabrillo High School in Lompoc on Friday after an alleged social media threat and rumors stirred fear among students, and in a separate incident, a school bus was struck by what appear to be BB or pellet gun shots.

At approximately 3 p.m. on Thursday, a Lompoc Unified School District bus was carrying about 20 to 30 Cabrillo High students northbound on Rucker Road from Burton Mesa Road when it was struck by what appears to be several BB or pellet shots. The pellets shattered the window but did not penetrate it.

No one suffered injuries during the incident. Officers escorted the students off the bus, interviewed them and returned them to their homes and families.

Sheriff’s detectives canvassed the area, walking door to door in search of suspects, but did not locate any.

Also on Thursday, sheriff’s officials and the school district investigated rumors of an alleged Snapchat post, as well as an alleged hit list. Neither of those rumors proved to be valid or credible, according to the sheriff’s office.

Sheriff’s official say the alleged threat occurred in an Instagram direct message about one month ago between two male students at Cabrillo High. Investigators identified the two students, spoke with their families at the homes and determined the students did not have access to firearms.

Investigators also probed rumors of an alleged Snapchat post, as well as an alleged hit list. Neither of those rumors proved to be valid or credible, according to the sheriff’s office.

On Friday, the sheriff’s office deployed extra security and patrols to Cabrillo High. Likewise, the sheriff’s office released a statement addressing school shootings and social media use.

“We know everyone is on edge after the horrific tragedy in Florida and all of the school shootings we have had in our country this year,” the statement said. “We remind our community members to report any threats to law enforcement right away.

“It’s also important to talk to your children about the power of social media and the problems that can come as a result of not thinking through the ramifications of what they are posting and how it can be interpreted.”