CENTERVILLE, Iowa — A Centerville high school student is facing a Threat of Terrorism charge for allegedly making violent threats against the school, the city's police department said.
Police claim an unnamed 17-year-old made threats of violence against Centerville High School on Tuesday, March 19, prompting an investigation into the credibility of the threats.
The investigation found "no students or staff were placed in immediate danger", and the student was removed from the school. The teen has since been charged with a Threat of Terrorism and referred to the Juvenile Court.
Police emphasized the importance of reporting any suspected threats, saying in part:
"The Centerville Police Department take all threats of violence seriously and would like to take this opportunity to highlight the importance of alerting a trusted adult such as a police officer, teacher or school administrator anytime suspicious activity is observed ... if you see something, say something."
The school district echoed that message, with superintendent Mark Taylor offering an update to the investigation on Thursday.
"We want to reassure everyone that in working in partnership with the police, we make the determination that is best moving forward to keep the students and staff safe," his letter to the community reads in part.
Local 5 will update this story as more information becomes available. Download the We Are Iowa app or subscribe to Local 5's "5 Things to Know" email newsletter for the latest.
