Independent Newsmedia

Peoria police arrested a Liberty High School student for making threats on social media, the department stated in a release.

The threats were made via Snapchat, and were reported to the Peoria Police Department the evening of Tuesday, March 28. Officers investigated the circumstances and threats and booked a 16-year-old male sophomore into the Durango Juvenile Detention Center after midnight on Wednesday.

In an email, Officer Brandon Sheffert stated the threat included a photo of the student holding what appeared to be a handgun but later identified as a pellet gun. However, the student had no access to any real weapons. A statement along with the photo referenced the 1999 shootings at Columbine High School.

The student told police the post was a joke.

A concerned student notified their parents, who then contacted police, according to the release. The Peoria Unified School District was notified of the incident and arrest.

Police booked the suspect into the Durango Juvenile Detention Center on charges including committing a hoax and interfering with an educational institution by making a threat to injure others. The charges are preliminary and additional charges may be added or amended.

Police were made aware of a second, unrelated incident in which writing was found in a Liberty High bathroom stall referencing the date of March 30. That threat circulated on social media and concerned many. Police investigated the incident and deemed it to not be credible.

"As always, our School Resource Officers are routinely following up on these situations, monitoring social media and speaking with and educating students about acts that disrupt an educational institution," according to the release.

Peoria officials advise parents and guardians to not share these posts on social media but contact police. If anyone has any additional information regarding this incident they are encouraged to contact the Peoria Police Department at 623-773-8311.

Liberty High Principal John Croteau sent out the following statement to parents and guardians the morning of the incident:

Dear Liberty Parents & Guardians -  

This letter is to make you aware of two separate incidents involving our campus. Early this morning, a student was taken into police custody after Snapchatting a threat against our campus. We appreciate the quick response by the Peoria Police Department.

In addition, we are aware of a threat towards our school scribbled on a bathroom wall dated for March 30. The Peoria Police Department has been notified and investigated this incident. We have heard several rumors about this on social media with a wide variation of dates and incorrect information. Additionally, we have not found any other factual information regarding this threat. It is important to note that we do not believe this is a credible threat and do not feel our campus is in any real danger.

Each time we share threat-related information with you we reiterate that the safety of our students and staff is our top priority. This remains unwavering and to that end, we will not tolerate direct threats, or social media threats meant to be a hoax, against our school. A threat against the educational environment is a violation of state law and those found responsible will be prosecuted. We appreciate the support of local law enforcement, students, parents and our community for working with us to ensure that our campus remains safe. We also appreciate your assistance in ensuring these rumors do not spread further so that we can continue to remain focused on what we do best – educating students.                               

Thank you for your understanding and support.