Following a hectic week of high anxiety in school systems throughout the Southeast Missouri region, authorities have detained two juveniles for specific threats made against Poplar Bluff schools.
According to information provided by Chief Juvenile Officer Sierra Elliott, the juvenile was found after investigations across multiple school districts.
“As a result, we have identified a juvenile linked to recent threats involving the Poplar Bluff School District, along with another student who had previously made threats at school,” Elliott explained. “Both individuals are currently detained in an area detention center and formal charges have been filed.”
Elliott noted the rash of school threats in the region is a reflection of what is happening nationally, as school districts everywhere are receiving vague threats in the form of social media — more specifically, the app Snapchat.
“The specific threats made to Popalr Bluff Schools wasn’t part of the larger network of social media threats,” Elliott noted. “As far as the motive for any of the threats, we don’t know the reason at this time.”
Elliott credited law enforcement for their quick and vigilant work to locate the source of the specific threats, which she is hopeful will stop now that two juveniles are in custody.
“We have a proactive approach to dealing with these things,a nd we take any threats seriously,” Elliott remarked. “When there is any notification of a school threat, or a threat to a particular individual, we get involved as well as law enforcement immediately.”
The general threats that were circulated throughout the previous week were generally screenshots from a Snapchat message listing multiple schools throughout the region without stating anything specific.
“We understand that these incidents cause significant stress for students, families, staff, and the community,” Elliott commented. “We also encourage everyone to refrain from seeking information on social media, as this can perpetuate rumors and misinformation.
“We really encourage to sit down and talk with their kids about how serious all of this is. And be mindful that your children aren’t always going to tell you everything.”
Elliott noted that juveniles typically don’t consider the repercussions of the things they say and do.
“Very often, there isn’t any thought given to how this will affect their future,” she said. “And, in this situation, charges are being filed. This isn’t a game and it isn’t funny.”
This is a developing story. More information will be published as it becomes available.