September 18, 2026 – Merced County Sheriff's Office officials report that on September 16, 2026, Le Grand High School officials were notified of a possible school shooting threat circulating among students on social media after school hours. Since there were still students on the premises for after-school activities, school administrators placed the school on a cautionary lockdown until law enforcement could respond.

Responding deputies learned the circulating post referenced a group of students at Le Grand High School. The post included the statement “it’s over for y’all” accompanied by a video of an individual holding a firearm with an extended magazine.

Sheriff’s investigators quickly identified a suspect and served a search warrant at the suspect’s residence. During the search, investigators located an extended handgun magazine, several other handgun magazines, a large amount of ammunition and an unregistered firearm.

Detectives arrested 32-year-old Albert Matson of Planada on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Additionally, a 16-year-old juvenile was arrested at the residence for making terrorist threats.

Law enforcement and school officials take these incidents very seriously. There is a zero-tolerance policy for anyone making threats against the safety of students and staff at our schools.

This remains an active investigation, and anyone with information is asked to call our Investigations Bureau at (209) 385-7472. Anonymous tips can also be submitted via email to: SheriffTips@countyofmerced.com.

Source: Merced County Sheriff's Office