Actions

Teen charged in connection to Goochland school threat

Posted at 6:41 AM, May 12, 2023
and last updated 2023-05-12 14:24:47-04

GOOCHLAND COUNTY, Va. — A teenager was taken into custody Thursday evening "for sending text message threats against Goochland High School," the Goochland Sheriff's Office announced.

The juvenile is not a current Goochland student.

“The tireless efforts of our team resulted in the prompt arrest of a suspect, but more importantly, the safety of the students and staff of our schools,” Goochland County Sheriff Steven Creasey said in a statement following the arrest. “We hope this sends a clear message that our county will not tolerate threats or disruptions to anyone, especially the children of Goochland.”

The announcement also did not detail what charges the teen faced.

The arrest came about 12 hours after someone at the school received a text message "referencing weapons, the intent to harm and additionally referencing that the individual was on school grounds."

That text prompted an hours-long lockdown of both Goochland High School and Goochland Middle School on Thursday while investigators and school staff made sure there were no actual threats on campus.

Goochland school threat
Text threat prompts a lock down at Goochland High School on Thursday, May 11, 2023.

Interim Superintendent Andy Armstrong said that no weapons were found anywhere on campus, including the parking lot.

“While I am disturbed and frustrated at the acts of this individual that caused this disruption to our operations, I am proud of our response and appreciate the understanding of our families," Armstrong said.

Both schools were closed Friday as a precaution. Weekend school events were scheduled to go on as planned.

This is a developing story, so anyone with more information can email newstips@wtvr.com to send a tip.

EAT IT, VIRGINIA restaurant news and interviews

CBS6-News-at-4pm-and-Jennifer-Hudson-480x360.jpg

Entertainment

Watch 'The Jennifer Hudson Show' weekdays at 3 p.m. on CBS 6!

📱 Download CBS 6 News App
The app features breaking news alerts, live video, weather radar, traffic incidents, closings and delays and more.