San Luis police arrest three teens in bullying case

Three Vista High School students accused of bullying a fellow student were arrested by San Luis Police officers Wednesday.

Their identities were not released by the San Luis Police Department because they are juveniles. However, the victim and those arrested are all residents of San Luis, Ariz.

According to the SLPD, Vista personnel suspected a 15-year-old boy was being bullied while attending classes at the school, as well as during the bus ride to and from the campus in Yuma. The incident was then reported to both the mother of the boy and SLPD.

An ensuing investigation by SLPD officers and detectives aided by personnel from Amberly's Place revealed two of the juveniles arrested had allegedly taunted the boy with unflattering names and assaulted him. They also allegedly threatened to assault him again if he told his parents, school staff or the authorities about their behavior.

The third juvenile arrested had allegedly recorded video of some of the incidents.

“Acts of bullying will not be tolerated within our jurisdiction,” said SLPD Chief Arturo Ramos. “Any of these acts that rise to the level of a crime will be investigated and we will seek prosecution of suspects involved to the fullest extent of the law. Our children and youth should feel safe and comfortable and not worry about being bullied while attending school.”

All three suspects were booked into the Yuma County Juvenile Justice Center. They face charges of threatening and intimidating, assault, harassment, disorderly conduct and interfering with an educational institution.

SLPD encourages anyone in their jurisdiction who is being bullied, or who knows of someone else who is being victimized, to contact the SLPD Safe Schools Program at 341-2420.

For information about how to prevent bullying, log onto www.stopbullying.gov.