NEWPORT – Police took a 14-year-old Newport High School student into custody on an accusation of disorderly conduct Tuesday night after he posted on social media an implication there would be a shooting at the school Wednesday.
In a news release Wednesday, Newport police said the student’s threat “had no validity and there was no active threat to any students or to the school.”
The student was taken to the Linn County juvenile detention center in Albany, police said.
Police said they were notified by parents about 6 p.m. Tuesday that there was a Snapchat post being shared online alleging a threat and implying that a school shooting might occur Wednesday.
“Officers immediately began investigating the source of the threat and, with the assistance of the Lincoln County School District, a suspect was identified and interviewed,” police said in the release.
Police said they decided to take the student into custody “due to the great deal of alarm caused by the threat …”
“Although it was determined the statement was made in poor taste, the Newport Police Department and the Lincoln County School District have zero tolerance for threats against schools or the children who attend them,” the news release said.
Police said they are still investigating the case and if people have information to contact Sgt. Mike Leake at 541-574-3348. The Newport police Tip Line is 541-574-5455, Text-a-Tip at 541-270-1856 or tipline@newportpolice.net.
On Wednesday, the New York Times reported that in the three weeks since two teachers and two students were killed at Apalachee High School in Georgia, more than 700 children and teenagers, including at least one fourth grader, have been arrested and accused of making violent threats against schools in at least 45 states, according to a review of news reports, law enforcement statements and court records.
The Lincoln County School District said counselors and extra administrators were at Newport High School on Wednesday to help support students and staff.
“We can call in extra counselors if the situation warrants them, but so far, that additional support has not been needed today,” said district spokeswoman Susan Schuytema. “We are also alert for any students or staff who may need extra support due to this situation and always have counselors available if needed.”
Schuytema said although a student was taken into custody, the district still completes its threat assessment process and follows protocols for student behavior and discipline. The district also has plans for schools that addresses all kinds of hazards and threats, she said, and does “training and conduct practice drills for those hazards and threats each month.”
The district also uses the SafeOregon School Safety Tip Line, which gives students, parents, schools, and the community a way to report safety threats or potential acts of violence confidentially or anonymously with a phone call, text, email or by using the web form or mobile app.
“We want to reiterate how grateful we are for the many reports made last night about the threat,” Schuytema said. “It is fitting that today is National ‘If you see something, say something’ Day. Our school community did that very well yesterday.”