NEWPORT NEWS, Va. – Newport News Police have arrested a 15-year-old girl Thursday in connection with threats made against Menchville High School earlier this week.
The teen was charged with Threats to do Bodily Injury to Persons on School Property and Threats to Bomb and Damage buildings.
School administrators were notified of the threat late Tuesday night.
Wednesday night, a spokesperson with Newport News Public Schools told News 3 a joint investigation was underway. The threats were made on Tuesday and Wednesday, police said.
Menchville High Principal Bobby Surry said regardless of whether the threat was a prank or not, officials are taking the post very seriously. There was an additional police presence and other security measures at place at the school Wednesday.
Surry sent the following message to families Wednesday morning:
Good morning Menchville family. This is Bobby Surry. Late last night, an unconfirmed threat targeting our school was posted to social media. While this may be a prank, we are taking this post very seriously.
We are working with the police department and the school division leadership team to determine who made the post. If you have any information that can assist our investigation, please let us know.
To support us, we will have additional police presence and other security measures in place today. While we are taking precautions, we will not allow this malicious action to influence or define us.
I am looking forward to a smooth and productive day of teaching and learning.
I appreciate your support and understanding, and I will continue to keep you informed.
After announcing the arrest, the police department thanked everyone who shared posts and tips that lead to making the arrest.
