13-year-old arrested in connection with threats against Champaign middle schools | Courts-police-fire

CHAMPAIGN — Champaign police have arrested a 13-year-old boy for allegedly posting threatening messages online to several area schools.

Police said officers were dispatched to Edison High School at 1:50 p.m. Monday after receiving threats on social media. While there, they learned that a message containing threats against several schools in the area and referencing the three Unit 4 high schools was circulating in Edison.

Police assigned officers to area school zones to promote a visible presence in the afternoon and during school hours. A school resource officer investigating the incident later apparently determined that a 13-year-old from Champaign had posted the message.

After the student and a parent were questioned, the teen was arrested and taken to the juvenile detention center, initially charged with aggravated disorderly conduct.

Because the 13-year-old has not yet been formally charged with a crime, police Lt. Kurt Buckley said he could not yet explain how the school resource officer identified the student as the alleged offender.

But Buckley said the officer conducted a “thorough” electronic investigation and reported that most minors were released to their parents shortly after being held at the juvenile detention center, unless they were charged with a serious crime.

Although officers have made an arrest, the investigation is ongoing and Champaign Police are asking anyone with additional information to contact them at 217-351-4545. Arrangements can also be made for information to be shared privately.

People wishing to remain anonymous can contact Champaign County Crime Stoppers at 217-373-8477 or 373tips.com or through the free “P3 Tips” mobile app.