Criminal threat investigation at South Hills High School in West Covina leads to arrest

West Covina Officers received information regarding a threat of a school shooting. The initial threats were investigated and deemed not credible, however WCPD will continue to investigate in an effort to determine the source.

On Thursday, November 8, 2018 West Covina Officers were following up on the threat that occurred on November 7th when information and a video surfaced of an additional threat toward South Hills High School students.

West Covina Officers investigated the threat and deemed this threat credible. The investigation remained active and a search for the suspect began.

During the investigation the suspect was identified as Derek Pena, 21 years old from West Covina. West Covina Detectives located the suspect at his residence where he was taken into custody without incident.

A search warrant was obtained for the suspect's residence, which revealed replica assault rifles, replica handguns, replica body armor and two real machetes.

The suspect Derek Pena was booked at the West Covina Jail for 422 PC with bail set at $50,000.