n 11-year-old student at Belle Haven Elementary School was arrested March 8 when his teacher became alarmed by what she feared were threats of violence against the school's teachers in an essay he wrote for class.
The boy was released the next day when prosecutors decided not to press charges, according to Deputy District Attorney Eddie C. Thomas Jr.
"It appears it was just a writing assignment," said Mr. Thomas, who works in the juvenile branch of the district attorney's office. "An ill-advised writing assignment, but just a writing assignment."
Although the boy's East Palo Alto home was searched and no weapons were found, he was arrested on charges of making terrorist threats because of details in his essay, and he was booked into Hillcrest juvenile facility, according to Sgt. Terri Molakides of the Menlo Park police department.
School officials contacted police after the boy's teacher became "greatly concerned" on March 7 after reading the essay about what he would do if he had three days left until the end of the world, she said.
Officer Matthew Ortega interviewed the child's mother, who said her son had no access to weapons and had likely written the essay in order to get attention, Sgt. Molakides said.
Follow-up interviews with the student, his teacher, and his parents were conducted the next day and resulted in the child's arrest.
"This is something that parents should be concerned about," said Mr. Thomas. "It's my hope that he does get some counseling."
