RAYNHAM — Chief David LaPlante reports that the Raynham Police Department arrested a juvenile Friday morning following an investigation into an alleged school shooting threat made through an online gaming platform.
A 17-YEAR-OLD MALE JUVENILE, of RAYNHAM, was arrested and charged with Making a False Bomb Threat.
Early in the morning on Friday, Sept. 11, Raynham Police were notified by the FBI of an alleged threat made through an online gaming platform.
According to information provided to Raynham Police, the gaming platform flagged two statements allegedly made by a user in a game text chat, including a threat to shoot up a school and a threat to bomb a school.
The FBI provided Raynham Police with information associated with the account, and officers immediately began an investigation.
Through an investigation, officers identified a juvenile believed to be associated with the account and responded to his residence. During the subsequent investigation, officers determined there was probable cause to place the juvenile under arrest.
The preliminary investigation determined that the threats were not credible and that the juvenile did not have access to weapons. No weapons were located during the investigation.
Raynham Police also notified the Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District of the investigation and have remained in communication with district officials.
Based on the preliminary investigation, police do not believe there is any threat to the school community. However, out of an abundance of caution, there will be an increased police presence at district schools throughout the day Friday.
“We appreciate the Raynham Police Department’s immediate response and communication with the district throughout this investigation,” said Superintendent of Schools Ryan T. Powers. “The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority, and we take any threat involving a school extremely seriously. The district will address this matter in accordance with our student handbook and established policies.”
“These types of threats are taken extremely seriously, regardless of where or how they are made,” Chief LaPlante said. “I want to recognize our officers and detectives for their immediate response and thorough investigation, as well as the FBI for quickly providing our department with the information necessary to investigate this matter. We are grateful that no weapons were located, but any threat involving violence against a school demands an immediate law enforcement response.”
The suspect will be arraigned in Taunton Juvenile Court.
These are allegations. All suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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