CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- A 14-year-old was arrested Thursday after detectives said the student posted threats against a Charlotte Mecklenburg middle school on social media Wednesday.
During a press conference Thursday morning, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Assistant chief Vicki Foster said the alleged threats were made on Snapchat. A parent sent NBC Charlotte a photo of the SnapChat message his daughter received, which read, in part, "Imma shoot up southwest tmrw, be ready."
Parents with children who go to Southwest Middle got automated calls Wednesday telling them extra security would be on hand at the school Thursday as a precaution.
Foster said the suspect, who has not been identified, is being charged with making a false report concerning mass violence on educational property, which is a felony.
"I think today's arrest will actually be an eye-opener for a lot of students, as well as their parents," Foster said.
After an investigation, a juvenile arrest was made in connection with the threat, CMS officials said Thursday.
"CMS and law enforcement will pursue maximum punishment under criminal law and the student code of conduct," CMS Chief Communications Officer Tracy Russ said. "I want to be clear with everyone - threats of any kind and possession of weapons of any type will not be tolerated."
CMPD has also reported other threats of violence at CMS schools.
At Community Middle School on Wednesday, a school resource officer (SRO) investigated a threat made involving shooting a school bus. The SRO and principal spoke with the student they believe responsible for the threat, and the student was allowed back on campus Thursday.
Police officers also responded to a person reporting a threat against Community Middle School received via Snapchat.
Russ' statement went on to say that threats, even casual or passed off as jokes, will be investigated and prosecuted "aggressively."