Sponsored message
Logged in as
Audience-funded nonprofit news
radio tower icon laist logo
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
Subscribe
  • Listen Now Playing Listen
  • Listen Now Playing Listen

This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.

This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.

News

Lancaster Teen Arrested For Plotting Attack On His Former High School

Diavauni_Crooms.jpg
Diavauni James Crooms. (Via Facebook)

This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.

Authorities say that Diavauni James Crooms was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly planning an attack on Antelope Valley High School in Lancaster, reports the L.A. Times. Crooms, 18, was a former student of the school.

In a release, the L.A. County Sheriff's Department said that deputies were tipped off by a parent who'd reported that Crooms had made threats on social media. Deputies later conducted a search of the suspect's home on the 43400 block of Gadsden Avenue, where they allegedly found materials that could be used to make explosive weapons, as well as written material that detailed the suspect's plans.

Deputies say that Crooms intended to stage an attack on Antelope Valley High School at a future date, and that he was actively recruiting other members to join him.
According to Los Angeles Daily News, Crooms was transported to the Lancaster station jail, where he is being held on $1 million bail.

Authorities say that the school was never in any imminent danger, however. "The high school is currently on winter break, and there was no immediate threat or danger to any students or staff," said Deputy Yeni Deciga of the Sheriff's Department.

You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.

Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.

If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.

Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief

Make your tax-deductible donation today