Grand Rapids, Mich. — A 14-year-old student from Kentwood was taken into custody on Monday after making an online threat aimed at Pinewood Middle School, according to the Kent County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident unfolded when authorities received a tip on Sunday through Michigan’s school safety tip line, OK2SAY, which is designed to allow students and community members to report potential threats anonymously. The tip described a threatening post made on Snapchat that contained a “specific threat” directed at Pinewood Middle School.
In response, deputies quickly launched an investigation that led them to the teen’s home. A search of the residence yielded no firearms, but the suspect was still taken into custody and transported to the Kent County Juvenile Detention Center. The teen is now facing potential felony charges related to the incident.
Sheriff’s officials emphasized that while online threats are often made out of peer pressure, to skip school, or as a joke, they are still treated with the utmost seriousness. In this case, the sheriff’s office warned that such actions, regardless of intent, can result in significant legal consequences.
Deputies urged parents to take the opportunity to speak with their children about the seriousness of online threats and the potential ramifications of making such statements. They also stressed the importance of reporting concerning behavior to prevent potential harm.
The incident serves as a reminder of the continued need for vigilance in monitoring online interactions, especially among young people who may not fully grasp the severity of their actions in a digital environment.
