The Rio Rancho Police Department has identified a suspect in the threats of violence recently directed toward Rio Rancho High School.

“All threats of violence against human life are taken seriously by the Rio Rancho Police Department,” Lt. Jacquelynn Reedy said.

According to RRPD, a male juvenile was identified, and contacted by police yesterday afternoon. Detectives discovered information that led to the seizure of the suspect’s electronic devices.

Search warrants for the forensic analysis of those devices were done, which provided evidence that the suspect was directly involved in the threats against RRHS.

Rio Rancho Police are working with the FBI and 13th Judicial District Attorney’s Office for the filing of criminal charges.

“RRPD is committed to working with Rio Rancho public school district to provide a safe environment for all students and staff,” Reedy said.

Rio Rancho Public Schools issued a statement saying, “Hoax threats are not a joke and can carry severe consequences. According to the FBI, ‘Issuing a threat — even over social media, via text message or through e-mail — is a federal crime (threatening interstate communications). Those who post or send these threats can receive up to five years in federal prison, or they can face state or local charges.'”