By NATE KING
Salina Post
An alleged threat involving Salina South High School was investigated by the Salina Police Department (SPD) after a social media post surfaced on Monday evening.
According to SPD Cpt. James Feldman, police were contacted around 6 p.m. on Monday by an adult woman who reported a threat about a potential school shooting had been made. The information came to light after a 17-year-old male, who is known to the adult woman, posted on Snapchat that he overheard a 15-year-old male Salina South student threatening to "shoot up" the school.
"The 17-year-old says, while he was driving out of the school parking lot, he had his windows down when he heard someone say, 'I don't like this place. I'm going to shoot it up,'" Feldman said. "He then said he was pretty sure it was this 15-year-old kid."
Although not entirely certain, the 17-year-old claimed to have recognized the voice as belonging to the 15-year-old.
The 17-year-old then posted a picture of the younger student on Snapchat, alleging that the 15-year-old was going to attack the school the following day. The photo shared on social media showed the 15-year-old holding a BB-gun.
Following the report, SPD located and spoke with the 15-year-old and his parents. According to Cpt. Feldman, the younger student denied making any threats and said that the picture used in the Snapchat post was from four years ago.
The 15-year-old insisted that he had no intention of harming anyone, and police found no evidence to suggest he had access to firearms.
Given the nature of the allegation, SPD officers were stationed at Salina South High School on Tuesday morning as a precautionary measure.
"We wanted to ensure the safety of everyone at the school," Feldman said. "We can't say whether or not a threat was actually made, but we treated it seriously, as we do with any situation like this."
At this time, no charges have been filed. SPD has not been able to definitively confirm whether a credible threat was made.
"It's a challenging situation," Feldman explained. "We don't have enough evidence to pursue charges, but we also can't dismiss the concern. Our priority is always the safety of the students and staff."
Salina South High School administration was informed of the situation around 7:30 p.m. on Monday.
On Monday evening Salina South Principal Ginger Jones sent the following message to Salina South High School Families:
Dear South High School Families,
This evening the Salina Police Department received a report of a threat against South High School. They investigated and determined there is no credible threat.
To help everyone feel comfortable at SHS
tomorrow, there will be an increased police presence. We appreciate the support of the Salina Police Department.
It takes all of us to keep our schools safe. We ask that you have a conversation with your student about the serious nature of any type of threatening action or statement. Encourage them to speak to an adult at the school if they hear or see something of concern.
Sincerely,
Ginger Jones, Principal
Salina South High School