Social media comment by Deer Lakes student not a threat against district, officials say

A threat made by a Deer Lakes High School student on social media was determined to be not credible, officials said Monday.

West Deer police are investigating after they said a student said via Snapchat, “Who should I shoot first?”

West Deer Sgt. Mike Shurina said Monday a resident told police about the threat Sunday. Officers went to the juvenile’s home and spoke with the student and parents.

“It raised a red flag for us to investigate,” Shurina said. “It was found that there was no actual intent to carry out the threat, or means to carry out the threat.”

The incident is still under investigation. So far, no charges have been filed.

“At this time we have no reason to believe the threat was credible,” said district Superintendent Janell Logue-Belden said in a statement on Monday.

The statement also said the student stayed home from school on Monday “out of an abundance of caution.”

Spokesman James Cromie also released a statement Monday night.

He said the district was made aware of the threat Monday morning, and noted the boy’s post did not mention anyone in particular or where any potential violence might happen.

“We know that school violence is a concern for anyone who has loved ones attending or working in our schools,” Cromie said. “For that reason we have a responsibility to make sure we have all of our facts straight before ringing the alarm bell because once it is sounded, it cannot be un-rung.”