Threat reported at Valley Children’s Hospital

A precautionary lock down at Valley Children’s Hospital in Madera on Friday, Oct. 16, was lifted after a threat was called in earlier in the day.

Valley Children’s and local law enforcement initiated the campus-wide lock down after receiving the threat late Friday morning, according to officials. A heavy Madera County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) and California Highway Patrol presence was visible on campus during the lock down.

Law enforcement assessed the situation and the lock down was lifted early Friday afternoon. An increased law enforcement presence remained on campus as an added precaution.

“Based on preliminary information, investigators believe the threats may have been intentionally fabricated,” a spokesperson for MCSO said. “Our detectives are actively investigating the source of the phone call.”

Hospital officials said established safety protocols were followed and staff coordinated with law enforcement throughout the response. The safety and security of patients, families and staff remained the hospital’s highest priorities, officials said.

More threats, arrests made

“We take every threat seriously,” MCSO said, following threats previously reported and investigated at Yosemite High School and Minarets High School.

Law enforcement did not say any of the threats at the schools or Valley Children’s were related to one another.

On Sept. 22, MCSO responded to a reported threat involving students and the Yosemite High School campus. During their investigation, deputies identified the student responsible for making the threat.

The unidentified student was arrested for making criminal threats and a probation violation. Under California law, the names of minors involved in juvenile justice matters are not released to the public.

MCSO on Oct. 5 investigated a reported threat involving a Minarets High School student and, following their investigation, deputies determined there was no credible threat to students or the campus.

Officials later updated the investigation, noting a juvenile student was arrested for making criminal threats in a designated location made with the specific intent to terrorize another person.”

“Regardless of whether a threat is ultimately determined to be credible, these incidents are thoroughly investigated. We remain committed to identifying those responsible and holding them accountable for their actions.”