Teen arrested, gun seized in investigation into threats made against Whiteford Agricultural Schools
School canceled Monday ‘out of an abundance of caution’
MONROE COUNTY, Mich. (WTVG) - A teenage girl faces charges for making a threat of gun violence at Whiteford Agricultural Schools, the Monroe County sheriff’s office said Saturday.
School officials contacted the sheriff’s office around noon on Saturday with concerns about threats being discussed in a group chat involving students. Deputies said a parent of one of the students alerted school leaders about the threat.
Investigators said a 15-year-old girl made threats of gun violence against the school planned for Monday in the text messages. Deputies made contact with her and her parents. They seized a bolt-action rifle from the girl’s home and took her to the Monroe County Youth Center.
Superintendent Scott Huard said Sunday that the district is canceling school for Monday “out of an abundance of caution” to allow the investigation to continue “and ensure a safe return to learning” for students and staff.
Huard said there’s no evidence to suggest that the student acted with others for a planned attack. He said the threats were made on Snapchat.
Deputies are working with the Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office and school leaders to determine their next steps.
The sheriff’s office plans to have additional staff when students do return to campus. District leaders say there will also be extra traffic officers in the vicinity of campus.
In a letter to parents, Huard also said the Monroe County Mental Health Team will have counselors at both buildings for students and staff who need to talk about what’s happened. He said he will follow up with families tomorrow regarding Tuesday’s classes.
A decision about athletic events and practices for Monday will be made by 1 p.m., Huard said.
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