UPDATE, 1:30 p.m.: Warwick Police report that after an investigation of a student’s threat in resonse to a photoshopped image directed at that person on social media, they have turned the matter over to school officials.
Police reported no crime had been committed.
Warwick Public Schools updated the public using their Twitter account. “We want to update you on this morning’s situation at Toll Gate. Everyone is safe and secure at Toll Gate High School. Police have met with the student in question and are actively investigating.”
WARWICK, RI — Several Warwick Police officers were dispatched to Toll Gate High School this morning to secure the building after reports of a student who had threatened to shoot at classmates.
Warwick Superintendent Philip Thornton’s office confirmed a threat had been made at the school, but offered few details on the situation. The office forwarded a message that was distributed via text and email to parents and students at 8 a.m. Friday:
“A threat was made on social media targeting Toll Gate High School. In an abundance of caution extra police presence is on site. Police are actively investigating the situation. Updates will be made as more information becomes available.”
Social media reports about the incident provided additional details about the situation, including that the threat was to shoot a firearm at the school. The superintendent’s office declined to comment further on the reports.
“Lots of cops and detectives when I dropped my daughter off,” one Toll Gate parent reported when asking about the situation on Facebook.
Warwick Police could not be immediately reached for comment on the situation.
Author: Rob Borkowski
Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.
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