Suspect arrested for threats against Bell Gardens High School had guns, body armor

BELL GARDENS — A 21-year-old man accused of posting threats of violence targeting Bell Gardens High School on social media, and who was allegedly found in possession of weapons and ammunition, was behind bars Monday.

Bell Gardens police said they were notified Sunday about the social media posts, and investigators were able to identify a suspect.

According to Sgt. John Acosta, detectives tracked down the suspect, who was in a vehicle with another man. Police stopped the vehicle, and during a search, they discovered two stolen firearms, body armor, high-capacity magazines and ammunition, Acosta said.

Police identified the suspect as 21-year-old Rene Alvizo, who was booked on suspicion of possession of stolen property, two counts of grand theft of a firearm and several other related counts. According to jail records, Alvizo was jailed in lieu of $50,000 bail.

The person who was in the vehicle with Alvizo was briefly detained, but he was released pending further investigation, police said. Alvizo and the second person are both allegedly local gang members, according to police.

Classes were held at the high school as usual.

Anyone with additional information was asked to contact Acosta at the Bell Gardens Police Department at 562-806-7632.