10-Year-Old Michigan Boy Behind Online Threat Affecting Three Out-of-State Schools

A 10-year-old boy from Michigan is being investigated after an online threat disrupted classes and prompted a police presence at three schools in Martinsburg, West Virginia.

Martinsburg is about 15 miles northwest of Charles Town.

What Are the Details?

Police were called to North Middle School after a threat directed at one specific student had been reported by school officials. The school immediately informed the student's parents that there would be a police presence at the school and placed the building under lockdown.

As a precautionary measure, police were also dispatched to two nearby school buildings, placing those buildings under a 'Code Orange.'

Administrators with Berkeley County Schools sent notifications to parents throughout the district, informing them of the threat and noting that there was a police presence at all three schools.

Threat Traced to Michigan

Police then traced the threat to a 10-year-old boy residing in Michigan. Metro News in West Virginia reports that the threat had been made via a social media channel.

Early Tuesday afternoon (8/29), police were able to determine that there was no real threat to any students in the Martinsburg County school system. Police in West Virginia are working with Michigan police agencies, as the investigation continues.

This is an ongoing investigation and the boy's identity has not been released.

Superintendent Issues a Reminder to Parents

In a letter to parents informing them of the incident, Superintendent Ron Stephens issued a reminder to parents about the importance of appropriate online conduct.

"As a reminder, please take the opportunity to speak with your students about the appropriate and responsible use of social media and the associated consequences of poor decisions. Also, remind your students, as the student did today, that reports to adults are imperative when they see or hear concerning information."