New Jersey Teen Accused of Threatening Violence at High School
Cherry Hill authorities were on high alert after a recent shooting threat at Cherry Hill High School East.
The Cherry Hill Police Department received word of a threatening text message that was posted online. The threatening message was reportedly circulated via social media on the Internet, with local law enforcement eventually getting wind of the threat. According to authorities, the message threatened a violent shooting at the Cherry Hill NJ school.
Law enforcement responded to the threat by checking the school building. Additionally, the Cherry Hill Police Department’s Investigative Unit conducted an investigation into the source of the threat and quickly identified the suspect.
The juvenile who allegedly posted the online message was later arrested in connection with the threat. As a juvenile, he has been charged with making a false public alarm. If the threat had been issued by an adult, it is possible that the charges may have been upgraded to terroristic threats, subjecting the suspect to extremely severe criminal penalties.
After making the arrest, Cherry Hill police posted a message online thanking the community members who reported the threatening message. Those reports “allowed the Cherry Hill Police Department to aggressively investigate the matter and quickly bring it to closure.”
Although the alleged offender has been arrested, Cherry Hill school officials are not taking any chances. In response to the recent threat, there was an increased security presence at Cherry Hill High School East, with at least three unmarked police cars in the parking lot the day after the incident. Beyond that, local law enforcement indicated that there would be ongoing police patrols for at least a few days after the threat.
For additional information about this case, view the Fox29.com article, “Cherry Hill Police: Juvenile Charged after Online Threat Surfaced.”
If you or a loved one has been accused of making terroristic threats, harassment or any other threat crime in New Jersey, you need to talk to an experienced criminal defense attorney. The skilled South Jersey criminal defense lawyers at the Law Offices of John W. Tumelty will help you fight your criminal charges and avoid the most severe penalties. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation about your case.
