Key Highlights
- A 12-year-old boy sent a threatening text to a parents’ group chat in a Yuma youth soccer league.
- The threat referenced a potential incident at the Ray Kroc Athletic Complex, leading to canceled practice and increased security.
- Investigators found that the boy’s number had been added to the group chat in error and he had no affiliation with the league.
- The boy admitted to sending the text as a joke but is facing a review of charges by county authorities.
Threatening Text Sparks Concerns at Youth Soccer League
A 12-year-old boy from Yuma, Arizona, has found himself in hot water after sending a threatening text message to the parents’ group chat of a youth soccer league. The incident occurred on December 29, 2025, and quickly led to heightened security measures at the Ray Kroc Athletic Complex.
Security Measures and Practice Canceled
The threat in question referenced “a potential incident planned later in the day” at the complex. In response, the Yuma Police Department conducted additional security checks and canceled practice for the league to ensure everyone’s safety. The soccer league’s actions were not taken lightly, as they worked closely with local law enforcement to address the situation.
Investigative Findings
Upon investigation, it was revealed that the boy’s phone number had been mistakenly added to the group chat and he did not have any affiliation with the league. Despite this, Yuma Police said they identified him as a 12-year-old male juvenile through assistance from the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center (ACTIC).
“The investigation confirmed that the sender was a young boy who had no connection to the soccer league,” stated Yuma Police. “His number being in the group chat was due to an error, and he admitted to sending the text message.”
Admission and Legal Review
The boy reportedly confessed to sending the threatening message and said it was meant as a joke. However, his admission did not prevent further scrutiny. The Yuma County Juvenile Justice Center will review the charges against him.
“Charges will be forwarded to the Yuma County Juvenile Justice Center (YCJJC) for review,” the police statement added. “YPD takes all threats seriously and will thoroughly investigate each incident to ensure public safety.”
Community Response
The incident highlighted concerns among parents about the safety of their children during extracurricular activities. The Yuma Police Department thanked all assisting agencies for their cooperation and support in handling this situation.
“We remind everyone that while such threats are rare, it is crucial to take them seriously,” a spokesperson from the department said. “Parents should remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity or concerns to local law enforcement.”
The Yuma Police Department’s swift actions and close collaboration with various agencies underscored their commitment to ensuring public safety in youth sports activities.
