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Vague social media threat puts local schools on alert

Several high schools throughout the Charlotte region spent Thursday on high alert after a vague threat of violence went viral on Facebook.

SALISBURY, N.C. -- Several high schools throughout the Charlotte region spent Thursday on high alert after a vague threat of violence went viral on Facebook.

Police departments became aware of the post last night after an individual said he would "...bring a gun to school tomorrow..."

The Facebook profile only identified the targeted school as, "Yes, SHS is the school I want."

Investigators ultimately determined "SHS" referred to Springfield High School in Ohio though several schools in the Charlotte region with the same acronym took precautions.

Among them was Salisbury High School, which went on a modified lockdown while additional police officers patrolled the area.

'Anytime you have a national incident like what we did in Florida, there's always going to be copycat incidents," Lt. Greg Beam said.

Parents appreciated the presence of additional officers.

"I think my daughter was okay with coming to school knowing that everyone was there for them," Tami Nianouris said.

"If your initials are CHS or SHS, it doesn't matter," Jay Dees said. "If there's a threat out there, you have to respond."

Parents of students at Shelby High School and Statesville High School also alerted police to the same threat.

Lt. Beam encouraged anyone who sees or hears a threat in-person or on social media to report it to their local police department.

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