Gun violence threat proves to be “not credible”

by Dan McClelland

A threat of violence by a Tupper Lake student late Tuesday, after investigation by state police, turned out to be “not credible.”

A local minor, posting on Snapchat threatened “to shoot up the whole school.”

It prompted a follower of his post soon after to encourage “everyone in Tupper to stay safe. I don’t know how serious he is about it, but either way this is not cool at all. I’ve heard he has weapons, so everyone in Tupper Lake stay safe!”

Superintendent of Schools Jaycee Welsh was on Facebook at 5:40a.m. Wednesday morning to brief staff and parents on the incident. “We know the messages that were circulating last night were alarming and we appreciate everyone’s patience as law enforcement investigated. After just speaking with the state police, the investigation has concluded and the threat has been deemed not credible.

“The safety of our student is our top priority. We would also like to thank our community for following the practice of ‘see something, hear something, say something’.”

“I hope everyone has a good Wednesday.”

A state police spokewoman, Trooper Brandi Ashley reported last week that the initial 911 call about the threat came in at 7:16p.m. Tuesday. Troopers conducted a series of interviews as part of their investigation that evening, eventually determining it wasn’t a credible threat.

A 15 year old male from Tupper Lake, accused of making the threat, was arrested and charged with one count of making a threat of mass harm and one count of making a punished written statement. Both are misdemeanors.

The police spokeswoman also reported the teenager was released on an appearance ticket, requiring him to appear in family court at a later date.

It was determined by state police and school leaders that it was safe for classes to be held as usual Wednesday.