Shawnee Co. juvenile detained after making a criminal threat to a school

TOEPKA (KSNT) - A 12-year-old is being detained after making a criminal threat to a Shawnee County school.

Shawnee County Sheriff's Office said in a news release that a 12-year-old is being detained after a criminal threat was made to a school Thursday evening. Just before 8:45 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 15, the Sheriff's office received information from a parent who found text messages and photos on their child's cell phone referencing a potential school shooting. Those pictures and messages were sent from another juvenile's cell phone.

Law enforcement confirmed the identity of the juvenile responsible for sending the pictures and threatening messages. According to the news release, after an investigation, home assessment and interview with the parents of the juvenile responsible for sending the photos and text messages, the 12-year-old was transported to Juvenile Intake and Assessment for the offense of criminal threat.

Deputies seized a black Glock airsoft pistol during the investigation.

Law enforcement takes every threat seriously. Parents are strongly encouraged to talk with their children about the seriousness and potential consequences from this type of conduct. The Sheriff’s Office applauds the parent in this matter who came forward and immediately reported this matter to law enforcement.

Shawnee County Sheriff's Office statement excerpt

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.