Cherry Hill police recently arrested a juvenile accused of sending a threatening text message about a local high school.
According to law enforcement, the teenage suspect sent a text message on social media sites that suggested violence might occur at Cherry Hill High School East.
When law enforcement learned of the possible threat, they began an investigation into the suspect.
The Cherry Hill Police Department sent police officers to the school to investigate. Additionally, law enforcement maintained a presence at the school the following day to ensure that nothing happened.
Meanwhile, the suspect was placed under arrest and charged with making a false public alarm.
Although it is likely that the suspect will be charged as a minor, he could potentially face serious penalties if he is charged as an adult. Moreover, he could be charged with terroristic threats, which would expose him to state prison time if convicted.
After news of the threat began to circulate, the Cherry Hill Schools superintendent sent a letter to students and their parents making sure that they knew police were doing everything possible to ensure that schools in the area were safe. In the letter, the superintendent also commended the Cherry Hill Police Department for taking swift action to respond to the threat.
For more information about this case, see the NJ.com article, “Police Ramp up Presence at N.J. School after Threatening Texts.”
