LATHRUP VILLAGE, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) — An anonymous tip about a threat prompted the Southfield Public School District to cancel classes at one of its schools on Friday.
Lathrup Police Lt. Michael Zang says late Thursday night that a 12-year-old boy attending the university’s K-12 Academy was participating in a group chat with classmates when he texted a photo of a gun and threatened them.
CBS Detroit
“He very directly threatened that he was going to come to the school and shoot the participants in this text message thread,” Zang said.
Police immediately discovered who the student was and searched his home for weapons, but ultimately determined the threat was not credible.
“The text message was sent as the student said in a joking manner. He did not mean a threat by it. The image he sent of the firearm was a Google image,” Zang said.
The threat is one of many in Metro Detroit this week. Lockdowns took place Thursday at several schools in multiple districts in Macomb County due to reports of an active shooter, which police also deemed untrue.
In a letter to parents Thursday evening, the Southfield Public School District says whether it’s a joke or not, the threat at University K-12 Academy is serious.
Southfield Public Schools
The authorities are committed to the safety of all students and employees and appropriate measures will be taken by both the district and the police.
“We’re trying to convince these kids that it’s not a joke to say these things. We dig deep because you don’t want to miss something and something catastrophic happens,” Zang said.
The 12-year-old student has been suspended from the university’s K-12 Academy and it is unclear if any charges will be filed against him.
The Southfield Public School District sent CBS News Detroit the following statement:
“In today’s educational environment, ensuring the safety of our children is of paramount importance. Southfield Public Schools (SPS) recognizes the importance of addressing potential threats and has taken a cautious approach to protecting students and staff. Through initiatives As OK2Say we have been working to educate and empower our school community, encouraging families and students to speak up when they see or hear something.”
“Recently, Southfield Public Schools hosted a safety forum with Southfield Police Chief Elvin Barren. The forum highlighted the critical need for awareness and action in identifying threats. Last night’s situation involving University K-12 Academy serves as a renewed “call to action” for our students, parents, staff and school community, reassuring everyone that it is always OK2Say. Together, we at Southfield Public Schools promote a culture of safety and vigilance for the well-being of all.”
