The Three Rivers Police Department announced Thursday, September 12 it has identified the person responsible for an online post that resulted in Three Rivers Community Schools closing for day.

The police department said the investigation has been turned over to the appropriate agency where the threat was made. Shortly before 12 p.m. Thursday, the St. Joseph Sheriff’s Office provided additional information.

“Three Rivers Police officers were subsequently able to identify a juvenile suspect who lives outside of the city limits,” Undersheriff Joseph Bingaman said. “The suspect was brought to the sheriff’s office by his mother and is fully cooperating with the investigation. At this time, there is no credible threat to Three Rivers Community Schools. At the completion of the investigation, a report will be forwarded to the St. Joseph County Prosecutor’s office and Juvenile Court for review of possible charges.”

Watershed Voice previously reported that shortly after 9 p.m. Wednesday, September 11, Three Rivers Community Schools announced schools would be closed Thursday. This was done in response to what the district called a threatening social media post. The sheriff’s office stated that the threat was made towards the schools through Snapchat.

“Three Rivers Police would like to thank all of the parents, students and citizens that reached out to report the threat so that this incident could be quickly investigated,” the department said Thursday.

The St. Joseph County Sheriff’s Office thanked community members who came forward to report the threat, as well as Three Rivers Police Department and Three Rivers Community Schools for their quick response and actions to protect the community.

“We also want to remind parents to speak with their children about the seriousness and consequences of these types of threats,” Bingaman said.

Three Rivers Community Schools Superintendent Nikki Nash said Thursday that the district’s schools will resume classes Friday, September 13, and that all high school athletic events will resume as scheduled Thursday.

“I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to our students, staff, and families for your swift and effective communication regarding the recent threat to our schools,” Nash said. “Your prompt reporting to school administration enabled us to take immediate action, including closing the school and coordinating with local law enforcement.”

Numerous emails, texts, messages, and calls were all instrumental in ensuring a rapid response, Nash said. She assured the community that Three Rivers Community Schools takes threats very seriously.

“The safety of our school community remains our top priority.”

Frank Stanko is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.