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By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
WALKERVILLE — An 18-year-old Walkerville student who reportedly made extreme violence threats against Walkerville Public Schools staff and students was arrested by the Oceana County Sheriff’s Office Friday, Nov. 6, around 7:45 a.m., said Oceana County Sheriff Craig Mast.
The male teen faces a high-court misdemeanor charge of intentional threats to commit a violent act against a school, and remains lodged in the Oceana County Jail.
“There were several threats of extreme violence to the school staff and to the students,” said Sheriff Mast. “There were several people who heard these threats made.”
Principal John Oleson was made aware of the threats Friday morning and immediately contacted law enforcement, according to a letter sent to parents by Interim Superintendent Scott Karaptian. Police then responded to the school.
“Working with law enforcement, the student who made the threat was identified. That student has been removed from school,” Karaptian stated. School officials and law enforcement officers interviewed several students as part of the investigation. “At no time was there an imminent risk of harm to any student or staff member,” Karaptian stated.
“Walkerville Public Schools has zero tolerance for school threats,” Karaptian stated. “Any person who makes a threat against our school community will face consequences under our school policies and state law, including possible expulsion and criminal conviction.”
“Threats against our schools, our students and our staff will be handled extremely seriously,” said Sheriff Mast. “They will be investigated and arrests will be made when appropriate. We will not stand for threats against our schools.”
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