A former student of a private school in Torrance, California, is in custody after allegedly stabbing three staff members and making a bomb threat. According to authorities, the suspect, who was a former student of the Switzer Learning Center, a nonpublic special education school, entered the campus and stabbed three staff members before fleeing. He attempted to stab a fourth person before escaping, leading to a major response from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad.
The incident occurred around 8:15 a.m. local time on Monday, when officers received reports of a stabbing at the school on Amapola Court. Two victims were taken to Harbor General Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while a third was treated at the scene by the Torrance Fire Department. The suspect was later located and taken into custody without further incident. However, the suspect also claimed to have placed two pipe bombs near the intersection of 208th Street and Amap, which prompted a lockdown at the school and nearby areas.
Preliminary investigations by the Torrance Police Department confirmed that no explosive devices were found, though the bomb threat remains under investigation. Authorities have not released the suspect’s name or provided any information on a possible motive for the attack. The case is expected to remain under review as investigators seek additional details to determine what led to the suspect’s actions. Nearby streets were temporarily closed as a precaution during the investigation.
Meanwhile, the FBI is investigating multiple college swatting hoaxes across the United States, which have been causing significant concern among campuses. These incidents highlight the broader issue of security threats in educational institutions, raising questions about the need for stricter safety measures. The Torrance Police Department has issued a public advisory urging people to avoid the immediate area of 208th Street and Amapola Avenue as a safety measure.
The incident has sparked a wider conversation about mental health awareness and the importance of early intervention for students who may be at risk of violent behavior. Educational institutions and law enforcement are now re-evaluating their strategies for addressing potential threats in school environments. As the investigation continues, authorities are emphasizing the need for increased vigilance and preparedness in handling such high-risk situations.