NORTH TEXAS (WBAP/KLIF News) – Several North Texas teenagers were arrested this week for allegedly making threats against their schools.
The Arlington Police Department arrested three teenagers for making either verbal threats, writing threats on school property or on social media.
The department’s Christopher Cook said investigators learned of the threats after receiving a campus Crimestoppers tip.
According to pictures posted on the department’s Twitter feed the messages, which were left in the girls restroom at the Arlington High School, read: “I’m shoot this b***h up like Florida 12:15” and “You have 3 hours left till I shoot.”
Cook said authorities have seen a rise in these types of threats since a mass shooting at the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida claimed 17 lives last Wednesday.
“We think its being driven by the tragedy that unfolded in Florida. People think that they can say these things and that we won’t find out and we won’t prosecute them and that’s just simply not the case,” he said.
Although the threats were deemed not credible, Cook said students need to realize the seriousness of their actions, which he said have a ripple effect.
“Students are scared and parents want to know that when they drop their kids off at school they’re safe. So, when you make these types of threats, whether its on social media or its written on a bathroom wall or you verbalize it to other students, you cause a lot of fear and panic not only within that school district but also the community,” he said.
The three Arlington teens have been charged with a 3rd-degree felony for Terroristic Threat.
“If you’re found guilty in the Juvenile Justice System, there could be a lot of ramifications for you including being sent away to the Texas Youth Commission. So, this is not a laughing matter,” he said.
It’s a situation that authorities say has no boundaries and is happening across the Metroplex.
Over in Denton County, a Krum High School student was arrested for allegedly making threats against her school on social media over the weekend.
Cook said the Arlington Police Department has been working with the local school district to educate youth about the seriousness of making these types of threats.
The Arlington High School Principal posted a message on the school’s website regarding the incident.
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