Aurora Police: We Will Prosecute False Social Media Threat To West Aurora High School
The Aurora Police Department is seeking the public’s help identifying the person or persons who posted on social media Thursday night that there would be a shooting today (Friday, Feb. 23, 2018) at West Aurora High School.
According to an APD Facebook post, the threat is NOT credible.
“When the post came to our attention, we immediately assigned several detectives to the case, including one who specializes in Internet crimes,” APD spokesman Dan Ferrelli said via Facebook. “This is a very technical and methodical investigation, and our goal is to hold accountable those responsible.”
Time Magazine reports that, in the days since the deadly shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, police have been busy with a flood of copycat threats. At least five people — many of them teenage students —have been arrested across the country.
Ferrelli said the APD is taking a similar approach to anyone making false threats.
“We must reiterate that in today’s world these threats are taken extremely seriously,” he posted on the APD Facebook page. “These incidents are CRIMES not JOKES. We encourage parents to reinforce this fact to their children. We will prosecute anyone involved in these crimes to the fullest extent of the law.”
Ferrelli said these types of incidents take resources away from those who are actual crime victims who need help and are seeking justice.
“Delivering that help and justice is our highest priority,” he said.
Ferrelli asked residents with any information to assist in the investigation by calling 630-256-5500 or Aurora Area Crime Stoppers at 630-892-1000. Callers to Crime Stoppers are anonymous and qualify for a cash reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to any arrests.
On Thursday morning, Aurora police had informed residents that a social media post threatening a shooting at “West High” was not credible and was not specifically referring to West Aurora High School in Aurora. The Friday-night post was a separate incident
SOURCE: Aurora Police Department Facebook page
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Police UPDATE: ‘West High’ School Shooting Threat Not West Aurora High School
