Southern Arizona teen accused of threatening to shoot up school

TUCSON, Ariz. (KOLD News 13) - A Southern Arizona teen is facing charges after allegedly making threats to commit mass shootings at a school, police station and movie theater.

The Casa Grande Police Department said Joshua Adam Bowen, 19, is facing a charge of making terrorist threats. Bowen is being held in the Pinal County Jail on a $150,000 bond.

“There is no doubt in my mind this individual was intent on hurting people and, ultimately would have found a way to do it,” said Casa Grande Police Chief Mark McCrory.

The CGPD said the FBI contacted it about threats Bowen allegedly made online. Bowen reportedly also threatened family and friends and praised the recent school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, that left 19 children and two teachers dead.

Bowen was immediately put under surveillance and was taken into custody without incident. Though he didn’t have any weapons on him, authorities believe he had access to firearms.

The CGPD thanked the FBI and Pinal County Sheriff’s Office for help and support in the investigation.

“In this instance, these relationships functioned exactly as they should,” McCrory said. “We were able to work together to stop a serious threat to our community.”

McCrory said the investigation was the result of a tip from a citizen.

“We are not immune to the issues we see across our country, but our department will be diligent in investigating all threats and will continue to encourage citizens to report this type of behavior to law enforcement,” he said.