FOLSOM — The man at the center of two recent school-related arrests in Folsom has issued a statement addressing the incidents and offering his perspective, following heightened community concern and a coordinated safety response by the Folsom Cordova Unified School District and the Folsom Police Department.
Curt Taras, a Folsom resident, was first arrested on Sept. 24 near Folsom High School after reportedly making threatening statements. Police reported that Taras was armed with a knife during that initial encounter. According to the Folsom Police Department, officers later located a firearm, a magazine and another knife in his vehicle during that arrest. He was later found off campus and taken into custody.
On Oct. 13, police responded to Sandra J. Gallardo Elementary School after Taras was seen walking on campus. Officers later located him at his residence and determined he was in violation of a restraining order unrelated to the school incident. Police confirmed that he was not armed at the time of that arrest.
On Wednesday, Taras issued his own following statement to Folsom Times to address the incidents and his recent arrests:
I had a misunderstanding in response to the vandalism at Folsom High School which was a Trauma Response. I have a Traumatic Brain Injury Military Disability and I was a recovery worker at the Pentagon after the 9-11 terrorist attack. My Trama makes me worry. I did not make threats or present any danger. I am receiving Veterans health care and complying with instructions to stay away from Schools. I am a peaceful person and was a Coach and Scout leader to many students. On Monday Columbus Day School Holiday I was re-arrested for simply walking past Gallardo Elementary school with my former student Son 15 in my neighborhood after eating lunch together at Panda Express. He saw the threatening Graffiti bleeding behind the paint on the library wall. In 2018, I emailed the schools to be made safer by adding more exit gates and offered an engineer PLAN. My proposal was declined. I am known as Safety Engineer Curt but I was arrested because times are tense today.
Respectfully,
Curt Taras, Veteran
Parent, Volunteer, and Engineer
Captain, USAF Veteran
Professional Civil Engineer
On Tuesday, the Folsom Police Department and the Folsom Cordova Unified School District issued a joint statement emphasizing that the safety of students, staff and families remains their top priority. The agencies said they are working closely with the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office to ensure steps are taken to safeguard the school community and maintain public confidence.
“The safety of students, staff, and families is our top priority,” the joint statement read. “We are working together as partners to ensure Folsom schools remain safe and secure.”
The joint statement acknowledged that information circulating online has caused concern among families. “We understand information has been circulating, particularly online, and this has caused anxiety with parents and students,” it said. Both the police department and school district urged residents to rely on verified sources for updates and to report any concerning information directly to authorities.
To strengthen campus safety, the city and school district outlined several proactive measures now in place. Additional police officers have been strategically deployed across Folsom schools, supplementing the presence of full-time School Resource Officers already assigned to high school campuses. The District Safety Team has increased its visibility, while coordination between FCUSD leadership and the Folsom Police Department continues daily.
Officials noted that the district’s security infrastructure includes surveillance systems with campus cameras equipped with facial recognition technology, visitor check-in procedures for all guests and detailed Comprehensive Safe School Plans tailored to each campus. In addition, Folsom Police are conducting ongoing investigative efforts to address any potential threats or safety concerns related to recent events.
“Our collaboration extends to you, our community,” the agencies said. “If you see or hear anything concerning, please report it immediately. Use 911 for emergencies, and you can report issues and concerns about the school through the anonymous ‘We Tip’ system.”
The joint message concluded by reinforcing the continued partnership between law enforcement, the school district and the community. “Your children’s safety is why we work together every day,” the statement read. “We will keep you informed.”
Folsom Police and the school district said they will continue to communicate updates as necessary and maintain a visible safety presence across campuses. Both agencies reaffirmed their commitment to protecting students and ensuring families feel confident in local school security.
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