Charges Filed After Nevada Union High School Threat

GRASS VALLEY — On February 3rd, Nevada Union High School entered a lockdown after a student threatened to commit a school shooting on social media. Nevada County Sheriff’s Office’s School Resource Officer Paul McCallum stationed at the school received a report of the threat from school staff at 11:55 AM. He quickly identified and detained a 17-year-old student within four minutes. Further interviews led to the detainment of an 18-year-old student, Kaden David Beals, in connection with the threat. Searches of the school (including with the use of a K9 unit trained in firearm detection), students’ possessions, and homes were performed, but no weapons or contraband were found.

Both the 18-year-old and 17-year-old students were arrested in connection with the threat. Both were charged by the Nevada County District Attorney’s Office with violations of Penal Code 422 (Criminal Threats) and Penal Code 182 (Conspiracy). The 18-year-old was arraigned on February 5th in the Nevada County Superior Court. Investigation is ongoing by the Nevada County District Attorney’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, and the county’s cybercrime investigator.