MSJC campus receives bomb threat, suspect identified as 48-year-old student

SAN JACINTO - On Thursday, Jan. 24, at about 8 a.m., the Mt. San Jacinto College Police Department (MSJC PD) was dispatched to the San Jacinto Campus regarding a report of a bomb threat.

An unknown male caller had telephoned the campus and stated he had placed a bomb in a classroom that was going to explode. MSJC PD Officers responded to the campus. They were assisted by officers from the San Jacinto Police Department and the CAL-FIRE Law Enforcement Unit.

Officers evacuated several classrooms and conducted an extensive search of the campus. After approximately 45 minutes the area was deemed safe and students were returned to their classrooms.

No explosive or suspicious device was located.

A criminal investigation was initiated by the MSJC PD. The investigation ultimately led to the 51000 block of Esperanza Avenue in the city of Cabazon. MSJC PD Officers responded to the Cabazon location where they identified the suspect as Frank Blankenship (48 years of age) of Cabazon.

Blankenship is a current student at the college. The suspect confessed to making the bomb threat and was arrested for 148.1 PC / Making a Bomb Threat and 422 PC / Making Terrorist Threats. He was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional facility on the listed charges.

This investigation is continuing and the MSJC PD is asking anyone that may have information related to the incident to contact the department at (951) 639-5188.

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Mt. San Jacinto College receives bomb threat, campus searched

By Stephanie C. Ocano

Earlier this morning, Thursday, Jan. 24, the San Jacinto Campus of the Mt. San Jacinto College was notified of a bomb threat. The College Police Department, Sheriff's Department, and Fire Department responded to the threat and checked the campus, finding nothing suspicious.

Captain Dave Fontneau of the Lake Elsinore Sheriff's Department released an email to all parents and students notifying them of the threat.

The email stated that an "all clear" had been given and classes were now being held as scheduled.

Fontneau requested for anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Mt. San Jacinto Police Department at (951) 639-5188.

Watch this site as this story develops.