KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — A suspect has been identified and arrested as the culprit behind a threat against Loy Norrix High School earlier this week. The threat spawned a number of copycat threats in Parchment and Portage.
According to an official statement, the perpetrator of the original threat against Loy Norrix High School has been identified as a 14-year-old Kalamazoo resident. The suspect has been lodged at the Kalamazoo County Juvenile Home.
The official statement can be read in full below:
“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 ison-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.”
Police are asking anyone with additional information to contact the Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety at 269-337-8994 or Silent Observer at 269-343-2100.
This is an ongoing story and will be updated as more information becomes available.
