Cypress College canceled classes Monday morning after what school officials described as a credible threat was reported to police.
Students and staff were asked to stay off campus until otherwise notified, the school stated in a message posted its website.
“Police have received a credible report of a possible violence against the campus,” the message read.
All classes scheduled before noon will be canceled, but officials hoped that afternoon and evening classes would be held, according to the message.
A 24-year-old man believed to have initiated the threat was taken into custody early Monday morning, Whittier Police Department Officer John Scoggins said.
Overnight unspecific threat to schools via text was investigated. 24 year old male was taken into custody in Pico Rivera. More details to follow shortly. #whittierpd
— Whittier Police Dept (@whittierpd) March 5, 2018
The suspect’s family members, who live in Whittier, contacted police about 7 p.m. Sunday to report they received a text message from the man threatening school violence, the Police Department stated in a Facebook post.
The suspect, who lives in Pico Rivera, stated he would shoot up a school and commit suicide, according to the Police Department.
No specific school was mentioned in the text message, but investigators determined the man was a prior student at Cypress College and contacted school officials.
The school sent out text and email messages Sunday night announcing that morning classes would be canceled, officials confirmed Monday.
The man suspected of making the threats was taken into custody in Pico Rivera Monday morning and was going to be taken for a mental health evaluation, the Police Department stated.
No weapons were found on him or registered to him, Police said.
Anyone with information was asked to call the Police Department at 562 567-9299.
