HOUSTON – A 14-year-old student was arrested Monday after making a threat to Berry Miller Junior High School via Snapchat, police said.
According to Pearland police, a woman called officers about 8:40 p.m. after her children said they had received a disturbing message on the app from another child they knew. The message conveyed a possible threat to the school, police said.
Police learned the identity of the student who allegedly made the threat.
"It was something along the lines of, 'Don't come to school tomorrow,' alluding to the fact he was going to bring a gun," Pearland police Officer Jason Wells said.
Police said the student told investigators that it was a joke. They arrested the boy and took him to the Brazoria County Juvenile Detention Facility.
"This is a criminal charge. That child and his parents will have to answer for his actions," Wells said.
Pearland ISD School District officials sent out a letter to parents letting them know what happened. Counselors were available for students. Police were present Tuesday as a precaution.
"There is absolutely no such thing as joking when it comes to joking and threats being made at schools. That is not something we take as a joke. The safety of our students and the juveniles in our city is paramount," Wells said.
Police recommend that parents have conversations with their children about this issue.