Columbus police detectives are investigating a social media shooting threat that was reported at about 7 p.m. Friday involving Parkside School on Monday.
Detectives are trying to determine the source of the threat, said Sgt. Skylar Berry, Columbus Police Department spokesman.
The school is currently closed and Berry confirmed the threat was specifically made for Monday. The social media platform is believed to be SnapChat.
Anyone with information about the person who sent the message i s encouraged to contact CPD at 812-376-2600,
BCSC released a statement to school district parents Friday night, stating, “On Sept. 13, Parkside Elementary received a report of a potential school threat after school hours. Parkside and BCSC administrators are assisting the Columbus Police Department with their investigation. We will provide further communication as we are able.”
In other parts of the state, Indiana State Police troopers in the Indianapolis post have investigated three separate school threats this week, two resulting in the arrest and incarceration of juvenile defendants. The third investigation was unsubstantiated.
The tips were received from an online source and immediately investigated. Working closely with the affected school personnel, troopers were able to swiftly identify suspects and obtain search warrants. Two juveniles, ages 12 and 15, believed to be responsible for the threats were arrested. The three investigations were unrelated to one another.
Indiana State Police Lieutenant Josh Watson said. “Threats of violence toward a school must be taken seriously, it is essential we immediately and thoroughly investigate each incident and utilize every investigative resource available. I will continue to encourage anyone with information about a threat of violence to immediately report that information to the school and or police. School safety is among our highest priorities and we will continue to work with our school and law enforcement partners across the state to ensure our children are safe in their schools.”
This story will be updated.
