COLTON COURIER Weekly
January 30, 2025
Vol 153, NO. 07
Colton High School Students Arrested for Gun Possession: 16-YearOld Booked, 17-Year-Old Released student, officers extended their investigation and found two juveniles at a nearby business across the street. During the encounter, a firearm was discovered. According to Colton Police Department Public Information Officer Sergeant Michael Sandoval, the 16-year-old juvenile was found in possession of the weapon and was subsequently arrested and booked into juvenile hall. Meanwhile, the 17-year-old, though not in possession of the firearm, was arrested due to his association with the 16year-old but later released to a parent with a citation.
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The department’s decision to release the 17-year-old has sparked community debate. In response to a Facebook post by the Colton Police Department detailing the incident, community member Andrew Ortiz commented, “Releasing a student back with no consequences is insane for bringing a firearm to a school campus. Ten years ago, suspension or expulsion would have been immediate, and students would have faced serious repercussions for this action.”
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PHOTO JOHN ECHEVARRIA Colton High School is located at 777 W Valley Blvd, Colton.
By Manny Sandoval
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he Colton Police Department is clarifying the circumstances surrounding the arrests of two Colton High School students after a firearm was discovered off campus, leading to one being booked into juvenile hall and the other released with a citation. The incident began on January 15, 2025, at approximately 1:26 p.m., when Colton High School officials alerted School Resource Officers about a possible handgun being concealed by a student on campus. Although a search of the school grounds did not locate the
Sergeant Sandoval explained the reasoning behind the differing outcomes for the two students. “The 17-year-old was arrested as part of the investigation, but he wasn’t in possession of the firearm,” said Sandoval. “If you’re associated with the suspect as a minor, we can arrest you and release you to a parent. The 16year-old was booked because he had possession of the firearm.” Adding to the community’s concerns, parents of Colton High School students expressed frustration over the lack of communication from the school regarding the incident. “This is so crazy, and the school didn’t send any messages to the parents of the Colton High School students,” said Desiree Reyes, a parent from the Colton Joint Unified School District. Despite any online criticism, Colton Police Department comColton High School, cont. next pg.
Grand Terrace High Students Revive Mexican Traditions Through Folklórico Dance Riverside Police Arrest Parolee for Sexual Assault and Home Invasion at University Village Towers Pg. 3
Redlands High Team Blue Claims San Bernardino County Mock Trial Championship Title Pg. 5 Inland Empire Community Newspapers Office: (909) 381-9898 Editorial: iecn1@mac.com Advertising: iecn1@mac.com Legals : iecnlegals@gmail.com
PHOTO MARCOS RUIZ/ARIANNA VILLARRUEL (Left to right) Exzavior Oliver, Arianna Villarruel, Ramses Muñoz, Denise Estrada, and Marcus Woods stop for a photo before performing for the CJUSD Board of Education.
PHOTO MARCOS RUIZ/ARIANNA VILLARRUEL (Left to right) Arianna Villarruel and Ramses Muñoz performing Folklorico dances during a CJUSD board meeting in 2024.
By Manny Sandoval
both the campus and the local community.
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Led by seniors Ramses Muñoz and Exzavior Oliver, alongside sophomore Arianna Villarruel, the group is more than an extracurricular activity—it is a testament to the power of tradition, cultural pride, and student leadership. "I’m proud to have started this group," said Muñoz, the group’s president and founder. "It’s been a blessing, and the support we’ve
he rhythm of traditional Mexican folk music resonates every Wednesday afternoon at Grand Terrace High School as Grupo Folklórico De GT rehearses. Founded in August 2024, the student-led dance group has quickly grown into a vibrant celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, captivating
received from the community, the school district, our families, and my mom has helped us keep these traditions alive through music and dance." Inspired Beginnings For Muñoz, the love for Folklórico began at the age of seven, during a Cinco de Mayo event where he first dressed as a GTHS Folklorico, cont. next pg.