PORT JERVIS – Port Jervis
Police and school district officials early this morning (Thursday) investigated
a post on social media – Snap Chat – that was of a threatening
nature.
City police determined the identity of the individuals involved and took
them into custody. Port Jervis Police Chief William Worden said two 15-year-olds
from the Port Jervis/Deerpark area have been charged with a felony for
making a terrorist threat and a misdemeanor for falsely reporting an incident.
It was determined there was no credible threat to the safety and security
of the schools. It was believed the threats of violence were intended
to scare and cause panic to another, the chief said.
Despite that, Port Jervis and Deerpark Police departments have provided
increased presence at district schools. “As such a post may result
in students having questions and concerns throughout the day, administration,
school counselors, and staff will be available throughout the day,”
a post by Port Jervis school officials stated.
It also advised that parents with questions or concerns should contact
their child’s school office or the district office.
Assisting Port Jervis and Deerpark Police were the State Police, the Orange
County District Attorney’s Office and Port Jervis City School District.
This latest incident followed the discovery of bullets outside the high
school and inside the boys’ locker room as well as a threatening
note found in the school, all last week.
The incidents resulted in heightened alerts given the Florida massacre
last week on February 14.
