Joint Press Release from the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, the Kalamazoo Township Police Department, the Portage Department of Public Safety and Kalamazoo Public Schools
UPDATE – School Threat
Kalamazoo, MI:
Over the past 48 hours, multiple schools within Kalamazoo County have received various threats of violence. These acts have resulted in school closures and disruption in school operations and activities. The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Kalamazoo Township Police Department, Portage Department of Public Safety-Police Division, and the Michigan State Police, in cooperation with Kalamazoo Public Schools, have been diligently investigating the various threats.
A 14-year-old Kalamazoo resident has been identified as the suspect from the original posting. Investigators determined that this threat was not credible. Unfortunately, the original incident resulted in multiple copycat threats throughout the region.
The youth was lodged at the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home. The case will be presented to the Kalamazoo County Prosecutor’s Office for review. The investigation is on-going and additional suspects are being identified.
In the State of Michigan, the crime of posting a terrorist threat, regardless of the intent or the capability of committing the act, is a felony punishable by imprisonment up to 20 years or a fine of not more than $20,000 or both.
Parents are asked to talk with their students about this serious matter. Joking about a threat or copying a threat that was posted elsewhere is just as serious as a credible threat. Students should remember that if they “see something, say something.” KPS and law enforcement partners consider the safety of students and staff its top priority.
Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact Kalamazoo Public Safety at 337-8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100, www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.
By authority of: Chief Karianne Thomas Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety
School Threat
Kalamazoo, MI: Last evening there were four separate threats posted on social media to cause harm at Loy Norrix High School, Kalamazoo Central High School, Hillside Middle School, and Linden Grove Middle School. Kalamazoo Public Schools (KPS) immediately contacted local law enforcement. In an abundance of caution, KPS elected to cancel classes today at the four schools.
The Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety and the Kalamazoo Township Police Department are working in collaboration with Michigan State Police to determine the origin of the threats. The investigation continues and those involved could be held criminally responsible in addition to school consequences. At this time, the threats have not been deemed credible. Anyone with information about these threats is encouraged to contact law enforcement.
KPS will continue to monitor this matter and update parents when additional information becomes available. There will be an additional police presence at Loy Norrix High School, Kalamazoo Central High School, Hillside Middle School, and Linden Grove Middle School as well as throughout the Kalamazoo Public School district tomorrow.
Parents are asked to talk with their students about this serious matter. Joking about a threat or copying a threat that was posted elsewhere is just as serious as a credible threat. Students should remember that if they “see something, say something.” KPS and law enforcement partners consider the safety of students and staff its top priority.
Anyone information on the incident is asked to contact Kalamazoo Public Safety at 337- 8994 or Silent Observer at 343-2100, www.kalamazoosilentobserver.com.
By authority of: Chief Karianne Thomas Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety
Date: November 12, 2019
Address: 150 East Crosstown Parkway, Suite A, Kalamazoo, MI 49001
Contact: Captain Brad Misner, Criminal Investigations Division, 269-337-8139
