UTICA, NY – A 16-year-old male was charged with making a terroristic threat after Utica police investigated a message threatening violence at a local middle school.
On Friday, at approximately 12:30 AM, Utica police units were dispatched to a residence to speak with a party who had received the threatening message in a group chat. The male suspect, known to the recipient, had allegedly threatened to commit a shooting at the school and sent pictures of two handguns.
Upon locating the suspect and speaking with him and his parents, police learned that the suspect did make the threats and had sent pictures of two BB guns, which the officers then secured.
At no point were the school or its students placed in any immediate danger due to the threat. The investigation is ongoing, and the suspect will face charges in court.