Oak Creek police: Student arrested after threat made "to harm those at their school"
OAK CREEK -- Oak Creek police said a suspect was taken into custody in connection with a threat to Oak Creek East Middle School.
According to police, Oak Creek-Franklin School District officials on Thursday morning were made aware of the threat from a student "to cause harm to those at their school." No actions were taken by the suspect, who was arrested without incident.
Police said the suspect was interviewed and evaluated and they're recommending charges to the Milwaukee County District Attorney's Office. Police are working with the school district as it relates to this investigation.
OCPD noted that "there is no threat to the safety and well-being of students" in the Oak Creek-Franklin School District.
Below is a letter that went home to parents on Thursday, Feb. 15.
Dear Parent/Guardian:
Before the start of school today, a parent contacted us to make us aware of verbal threats another student had been making. We immediately investigated these threats with the Oak Creek Police in assessment of the situation. Appropriate disciplinary and legal steps have been taken and the student was referred for further assessments. We do not believe any of the threats were credible and no students were in danger. Even so, everyone must be accountable for their words.
We know given the tragic news from Florida yesterday that emotions are running high. We are committed to always taking the most expedient and appropriate steps in cooperation with the Oak Creek Police to ensure student safety. Please discuss with your student the expectation to tell an adult as soon as possible if they EVER hear or see anything that is inappropriate in any way. As our partners the police always stress, "If you see or hear something, say something." Please help us by reinforcing this important message.
All students at East Middle School have access to an online resource STOPit. STOPit can be used by students to report incidents to school contacts anonymously. It can also be used to engage in anonymous two-way communication with school officials. Students have the power to help put an end to harmful and inappropriate behavior they see at school, online through social media and other means. Students can use STOPit to reach out for help if they or a peer are facing a personal crisis or experiencing bad behaviors or are otherwise in need of assistance. Our goal with STOPit is to create a safer, kinder school community, both online and off.
Finally, in response to the recent tragic news, you may find one or more of these resources may be useful for talking with your student:
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Sue Thompson
Principal