Hancock middle school student arrested for making threats
A Hancock County middle school student was taken into custody on Sunday night after threatening to “shoot up the school” on the social media app Snapchat.
The student was identified and taken into custody Sunday night. In addition to being subject to youth court and charges there related to making threats, the student also faces alternative school or expulsion for making a threat to the school.
The threat came on the heels of a lockdown at Harrison Central on Thursday, followed by a threat AirDropped by a student during school hours at D’Iberville High on Friday.
Melissa Saucier, public relations director for the school district, kept students and parents updated via their Facebook page and other means to let them know the district was aware of the threats and that the Sheriff’s Department was investigating. Parents responded to the post, many saying they were keeping their children home to be safe.
“It has been brought to our attention that there is a Snapchat message being sent around that is currently under investigation with the Sheriff’s department related to Hancock County School District. Please know that the safety and security of our staff and students are the utmost priority and as more information is available, we will keep you informed,” Saucier said in a post at about 7:30 p.m.
She updated with a post noting that the threat was aimed at the middle school.
Then about 11:45 p.m., the superintendent posted that the student had been identified and taken into custody. She later noted to media inquiries that the suspect would go before a youth court judge.
“Thank you for your patience in this difficult situation,” Saucier said in the post. “Just to let you know, we were contacted moments ago and informed that the individual responsible for the SnapChat threat posted earlier has been apprehended.
“We are thankful for the swift, thorough response and investigation by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Department and their shared commitment to safety.”
