The man accused of making a social media threat against Bell Gardens High School was arrested with stolen guns and a large cache of ammunition, according to police.
Rene Alvizo, 21, a resident of Bell Gardens, faces charges of making terrorist threats, possession of stolen property, and grand theft of a firearm.
On Sunday, authorities became aware of a social media post that included a video showing a weapon and the high school, and were “able to identify the suspect that had made the threat,” the Bell Gardens Police Department said in a news release.
During their investigation and surveillance of the suspect, detectives saw two adults get into a vehicle.
They conducted a traffic stop and searched the car, locating a suitcase containing two stolen firearms, body armor, high-capacity magazines and ammunition, according to police.
“There were two Glock 22 stolen handguns in that suitcase which were consistent with the weapon displayed on the social media post,” Bell Gardens Police Chief Scott Fairfield said during a news conference Monday. “There was an extended Glock magazine with 22 live rounds of ammunition … and additional standard Glock magazines, fully loaded.”
A 50-round magazine, handcuffs and upwards of 100 rounds of miscellaneous ammunition were also recovered, Fairfield said.
Alvizo and the man driving the car were taken into custody. The driver, however, was later released. Fairfield said both are admitted gang members.
Authorities are still trying to determine what connection, if any, Alvizo has to the school.
“We as parents want the best safety for our kids,” Rita Medrano, whose daughter attends Bell Gardens High School, told KTLA. “I wasn’t really aware of (the threat) until last night but was debating about bringing my daughter in today.”
In the meantime, Chief Fairfield tried to reassure parents.
“We believe it is safe to go back to school,” he said.
Anyone with information about the case was urged to contact Bell Gardens Police Sgt. John Acosta at 562-806-7632.