Update Jan. 22, 6:16 p.m. – Detectives with the Owensboro Police Department Criminal Investigations Division say they have identified a juvenile suspect responsible for the threat and are continuing to work closely with law enforcement partners in Danbury, Connecticut.
According to OPD, detectives determined the suspect developed an online friendship with an Owensboro Middle School student through the gaming platform Fortnite. Investigators said the suspect was able to gather information about another OMS student through online interactions.
Detectives with the Danbury Police Department are continuing the investigation, as the internet-related crime occurred within their jurisdiction. Danbury police are currently working with their local prosecutor regarding potential criminal charges.
In a message sent to families, Owensboro Public Schools said the individual who made the threat is located in Connecticut and is not in, or near, Owensboro. District officials said there is no reason to believe there is an ongoing threat to Owensboro Middle School, its students or staff, and thanked the Owensboro Police Department for its work on the investigation and continued partnership in keeping students safe.
The Owensboro Police Department and Owensboro Public Schools are encouraging parents, caregivers and other adults to educate children about the dangers of interacting with strangers online and oversharing personal information.
Update, 5:45 p.m. — Authorities say that detectives with the Owensboro Police Department Criminal Investigations Division obtained evidence and determined the threat originated from an account registered to an individual in Connecticut.
“At this time, there is no indication of an immediate threat to Owensboro Middle School. The investigation remains ongoing, and detectives are working closely with law enforcement agencies in the jurisdiction where the threat originated,” OPS said in an updated release.
Officials said additional officers will be present at OMS on Thursday to ensure students and parents feel safe as they return.
—
Owensboro police are investigating a school shooting threat that circulated Tuesday night on Snapchat and specifically referenced Owensboro Middle School, officials say.
According to the Owensboro Police Department, officers were alerted to the threat shortly after 7:30 p.m. and immediately began assessing its credibility. Police said they worked closely with school officials to implement precautionary measures aimed at ensuring the safety of students and staff.
Owensboro Public Schools Director of Public Communications Jared Revlett said the district contacted police as soon as the messages were brought to their attention.
“When we were made aware of the messages sent to a student, we immediately contacted OPD and they began investigating the situation,” Revlett said. “We’ve worked closely with them throughout the investigation and have worked to ensure the safety of students and staff when we are able to resume classes, weather permitting. We appreciate the patience of our families as we work through these types of situations and the investigations take place.”
Authorities emphasized that threats involving harm to children are taken extremely seriously. The investigation remains active.
Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact the Owensboro Police Department at 270-687-8888 or submit an anonymous tip through Owensboro Crime Stoppers at 270-687-8484.
