VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (WVEC) — A middle school student has been arrested after allegedly making a threat against the school on social media, Virginia Beach Police confirmed to 13News Now.
The threat was made against Plaza Middle School. Principal Debbie Price sent out a voice message to parents on Wednesday night alerting them of the threat made:
Good evening, families. This is Principal Debbie Price. I wanted to take a moment to send another update on our school operations. Unfortunately, today, two students have come forward to again report seeing a threat made against our school on social media. While police are searching for the student responsible, they have again shared there is no evidence to substantiate a threat against our school. Please know we will have police here throughout the week as a precaution and as a reassurance to students, but, parents, I am calling on you to talk to your children about the importance of good decision making. Making threats, even as a joke, will lead to serious consequences, including here at school and potential criminal charges. Together, we need to work to stop these senseless threats from further disrupting our school day. Thank you for your understanding and support of Plaza Middle.
Police said the student, a girl under the age of 13, sent the threatening message to certain other students. The School Resource Officer was notified and able to identify who sent the message.
On Thursday, Principal Price sent out a follow-up message, stating the student had been taken into custody:
Good evening, Plaza families. This is Mrs. Price and I am calling you tonight to share that the student responsible for yesterday’s threats has been identified and is in police custody. Parents, this is another example of how seriously we take threats. Not only could students face school discipline (including up to expulsion) they will also have potential legal ramifications for their actions. Thank you for your understanding and for your continued support of Plaza Middle. Thank you.
Virginia Beach Police say the girl was charged with threaten bodily harm, threat to bomb, and false report. The student was then taken to the Juvenile Detention Center.
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