EVSC parent reacts to recent school threat arrests

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT) — An EVSC parent is sharing concerns after the arrests of two juveniles over the weekend.

“It is actually really sad. I mean social media is playing a really big role in these kids’ lives, and so it is just sad that they would do something like this,” says Jasmine Breedlove.

Breedlove has kids in the Evansville Vanderburgh School Corporation and says the arrest of two 11-year-olds over the weekend adds a new layer of fear.

“If a kid came up to me and said that, I am definitely trying to contact the law about it,” Breedlove says.

Police across the country began investigating threats around September 11th. One day later, a Muhlenberg County student was arrested after authorities said they shared a threatening post on social media. That same day, a different student was arrested and accused of making verbal threats at Fort Branch Community Schools.

Then on Friday, September 13th, Owensboro Police arrested Israel Swanagan, an Owensboro High School football player for allegedly threatening a shooting following Friday night’s game against Owensboro Catholic.

The latest arrest occurred Sunday when Evansville Police say they arrested two 11-year-olds.

“We had some kids passing it to other kids and parents got involved,” says Sgt. Trudy Day with the Evansville Police Department.

Evansville Police say the post threatened gun violence. After executing search warrants and contacting parents, police say they arrested two pre-teens. One is charged with felony intimidation after officers say she admitted to creating a fake social media account and making the threatening post. Police say the other juvenile is charged with conspiracy to commit intimidation.

“Some students think this is a prank. So we need to educate them… this is very serious and there are consequences. We have two 11-year-olds that went to a secured facility,” says Sgt. Day.

Police say it is important for parents to talk to students about the dangers and consequences of social media.

“We really need help with sitting down and having those serious conversations with your children. We have to discuss the social media accountability and responsibility. The last thing we want is to have our educators, children, and parents scared,” says Sgt. Day.

Evansville Police also say if you see something, say something, and ask that you be mindful of what you post on social media.

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