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‘Disgruntled' Staffer Accused of Threatening Vista Unified School District Employees: Officials

Arturo Avina, 33, was arrested Friday when deputies executed a search warrant at a home in Vista

A man described by officials as a “disgruntled employee” of Vista Unified School District was arrested Friday morning for allegedly sending threatening messages to staffers at the district.

The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department said Arturo Avina, 33, was taken into custody at 9 a.m. after deputies with the Special Enforcement Detail and Sheriff’s Crisis Negotiation Team executed a search warrant at a home on Shadowridge Drive in Vista.

Avina was booked into the Vista Detention Facility on two felony counts – making criminal threats and burglary – and a misdemeanor relating to vandalism.

San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Sgt. Shane Watts said employees at the school district first alerted the sheriff’s department of Avina’s alleged threats in February. The department and school resource officers had been investigating the threats and were able to link Avina to the messages.

The nature of those messages – or whether they were over social media, by phone or through another medium – was not disclosed by investigators.

Inmate booking records indicate Avina’s bail has been set at $150,000. He is scheduled to appear in court Monday.

Meanwhile, Lisa Contreras, director of communications for Vista Unified School District, told NBC 7 Friday that the threats targeted “specific employees.” She also confirmed Avina as an employee of the school district.

“The safety and security of our staff and students is our top priority,” Contreras said in an email to NBC 7. “The District immediately contacted the Sheriff's Department and have been fully cooperating in their investigation. Thank you to the Vista Sheriff's department for their commitment to keeping our students and staff safe.”

Vista Unified School District serves sections of the North County – including Vista, Oceanside, San Marcos and Carlsbad – and is the fourth largest school district in San Diego County. The district includes 32 schools offering kindergarten through adult education programs.

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