James City County Police have charged a 13-year-old boy with written threats of bodily harm on school property after he allegedly made a threat to Toano Middle School students on social media Friday.
Middle school administrators contacted police around 4 p.m. Thursday to report a student had made a threat to harm other students on National School Walkout Day on Wednesday, March 14, according to a James City County Police news release.
National School Walkout Day was organized to honor the 17 people killed in a school shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida in February.
Administrators and investigators were able to determine the threat came from a 13-year-old student in 8th grade at the school, according to police.
After “consulting with the Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office” the boy was charged with making written threats, taken into custody, and brought to Merrimac Detention Center in Williamsburg.
“James City County Police Department takes all threats to schools seriously and works in partnership with WJCC Schools to investigate information received and threats made. When a potential threat is discovered, the contents are reviewed to assess credibility and means, while other factors are also considered,” the release said.
James City County Police will work with schools to ensure safety on Wednesday when the walkout happens at 10 a.m.
Police are asking citizens to report any behavior or threats that could be associated with “criminal acts,” not only limited to school-related incidents.
“If you see something, say something,” the release said.
