Police chief addresses faculty members about recent death threats
EC Police Chief Michael Trevis addressed faculty today at a Humanities Division meeting about recent death threats a student made toward a teacher, administrators, parents, and children. Photo credit: John Fordiani
Updated: Nov. 25, 1:25 p.m. This story has been edited for clarity.
Updated: Oct. 15 at 12:45 p.m.
Instructors voiced their concerns to EC Police Chief Michael Trevis about the lack of communication between ECPD and those in the EC community about recent death threats during the Humanities Division faculty meeting today.
Two weeks ago, a student allegedly made threats to a Veterans Center employee directed at a teacher, administrators, parents, and children.
The man “threatened to kill administrators and massacre students at El Camino Community College. He threatened to murder parents and children on campus,” according to a temporary restraining order granted Oct. 3.
“It is confusing to me that our faculty didn’t know about this,” Rachel Williams, English associate professor, said.
Trevis said a second restraining order was granted for a faculty member, and “all students and faculty at El Camino College.” The first TRO was granted Oct. 3 to protect Vice President of Academic Affairs Francisco Arce, Arce’s workplace, home, and vehicle.
Trevis said he discussed the situation “briefly” with President Tom Fallo, but added Fallo does not know the full details of the incident.
Trevis added the man has been served suspension papers from EC at the facility where he’s being held in Los Angeles.
Trevis spoke about incidents with the man in the past, including when the man sent “harassing” text messages to an instructor last semester.
When faculty members said they weren’t told about past incidents, Trevis said, “The stuff (the man did) in the past did not rise to a police matter.”
Mary Ann Leiby, English professor, said she has “very little faith” in the police department after she shared stories of incidents regarding slow responses and the lack of communication.
Most faculty members who spoke at the meeting shared a concern about the situation and the importance of getting information about the man out, including his picture.
On Oct. 7, Trevis told the Union his department was working with the Office of Community Relations to release a statement about the incident. The Union has also sent in a request for the man’s picture.
At the meeting, Trevis said he understood the concerns and he will speak to the college’s attorney about the requests.
Read our original story on the incident here.
