On March 2, the Lake Havasu City Police Department received information about a possible threat being posted on social media.  Lake Havasu City police officers and the Lake Havasu City Police Department Street Crimes Unit immediately began investigating the threat.  The social media post pictured weapons displayed in a gun store and made reference that it was, “Time to go to school.” 

As a result of the investigation on March 3, at approximately 6:45 p.m., 18-year-old Lake Havasu City resident Charles D. Castanon-Pope was arrested and charged with making a terroristic threat.  The social media post was determined to have come from Castanton-Pope.

This threat was not connected to the arrest of a 16-year-old Lake Havasu High School student early Friday morning.  Castanon-Pope is not currently a student.  No direct threat was made to any specific school.  Castanton-Pope did not own any firearms and there was no plan to follow through on the threat.

The Lake Havasu City Police Department would like to remind all individuals to be responsible with comments made or pictures posted on social media as it relates to threats of any kind involving any institution.   A comment or post intended as a joke can potentially be considered a threat.   This is a violation of the law and an investigation can lead to the arrest of those responsible or involved.   The Lake Havasu City Police Department will take all reported threats seriously and fully investigate any alleged incidents. 

During his initial appearance, Charles D. Castanon-Pope was held on a $5000 cash only bond and transferred to the custody of the Mohave County Sheriff’s Office.  

Public Information Officer:  Sergeant Tom Gray (928) 855-1171

Booking photo of: Charles D. Castanon-Pope