A 15-year-old student from New Philadelphia High School found himself in police custody after authorities said he made threats of violence against his school on social media. As disclosed by a press release from the New Philadelphia police, the troubling communication specifically pointed today, as the day the violence was to occur.
The threat first came to light yesterday morning, around 4:30 a.m., when the Ohio State Highway Patrol, via the Ohio Statewide Terrorism Analysis and Crime Center, alerted local law enforcement. Cleveland19 noted that the teenager's alleged postings appeared on a social media account's private story,
Acting swiftly, New Philadelphia police officers proceeded to the boy's home, where he was taken into custody without incident. A statement from the department expressed gratitude, saying, "The New Philadelphia Police Department would like to thank the swift response of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, FBI and other agencies involved in the investigation." This sentiment was echoed in statements obtained by various news outlets, including WKYC.
The future of the case now rests in the hands of the Tuscarawas County Prosecutor’s Office, which will consider possible charges, according to Detective Chad Dorsey of the New Philadelphia Police Department. An update by FOX8 highlighted that the threat was specifically directed at the New Philadelphia High School, stirring concern among students, staff, and the community at large. Meanwhile, no mention has been made so far of a motivation behind the alleged threat or if the investigators have gathered any additional evidence.
