Students detained after threats

Two juveniles were detained after threats were made against Willoughby South High School on Snapchat Feb. 19.

Willoughby police said at 9:45 p.m. they started receiving multiple calls from parents that someone had planned a school shooting at South High School for the following morning.

School district authorities were notified about the threats and were working with Willoughby police to identify who was responsible for the threats.

Through the assistance of numerous students and parents, police were able to identify two

suspects.

Willoughby police officers and agents from the FBI Painesville Office located the two suspects.

As a result of the investigation, the two male suspects were identified as 16and 17-year-old South High School students. They were arrested and transported to the Lake County Juvenile Detention Center. They were charged with inducing panic, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

School authorities contacted the families of students who attend South High School and notified them of the incident.

Both Willoughby and Eastlake police said they would have an additional presence in the district’s schools Feb. 20.

The threats were made

less than one week after 17 people were killed by a gunman at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida.

“We are extremely appreciative of the assistance from the community and take all threats seriously. As always, the safety of students is our foremost concern,” Superintendent Steve Thompson said in a letter to parents. “We have many procedures and policies in place to maintain a safe environment for all students.”

The police department and the high school said they will continue to work together to ensure the school is a “safe and secure place for all of the students and faculty.”

Anyone who can provide further information regarding the original threat made on social media or if anyone else is connected with the threat are asked contact Willoughby police at 440-953-4210.