Close up of unrecognizable child typing on a computer in the classroom.
Police are reportedly pursuing charges against a third grader accused of allegedly making bomb threats targeting two schools in Ohio.
PEOPLE reports that a third-grade girl allegedly used a Facebook account to claim someone planted bombs at Lorain’s Clearview High School and Durling Middle School. Authorities haven’t shared the exact timing of the threats, but both schools, along with the Clearview Local School District, shut down on Dec. 12.
Furthermore, the outlet shared that authorities determined the bomb threat was a false alarm after finding no explosives. Operations returned to normal at both schools on Dec. 13, per WOIO.
WHIO revealed that the third grader isn’t a student at either of the schools she targeted with bomb threats. She actually allegedly attends Vincent Elementary School. While her name and exact age remain undisclosed, officials say she now faces charges for inducing panic tied to the social media posts. Investigators tracked the account back to her, and authorities confirmed that she admitted to making similar threats back in September.
PEOPLE adds that the third-grade girl now faces a criminal charge and has been referred to the Hamilton County Juvenile Court Assessment Center, according to Dr. Jerome Davis, the school district’s superintendent. The center aims to prevent kids from becoming deeply involved in the juvenile justice system, as outlined on its website.
Meanwhile, Jacob Kyle, a coach at Durling Middle School one of the schools targeted by the bomb threat shared his thoughts on the situation. Kyle told WOIO that he couldn’t believe a young girl was behind the threats.
“It’s very upsetting,” Kyle said.Seeing these kids and having kids in this school nowadays is, its not what you want to hear especially someone that young to have access to that social media.”
Additionally, Kyle expressed shock that she had access to Facebook, saying she shouldn’t be on social media. I dont think that anyone under 18 should have it, to be honest, but thats just me,” Kyle continued.
