12-year-old boy arrested for making school threat on social media

JOLIET, Ill. – A 12-year-old boy was arrested Monday for threatening a school on social media.

The Joliet Police Department said at around 3:45 p.m. Monday, officers were notified about a possible threat that was posted on Instagram, hinting at possible harm to students at local schools.

While addressing other recent social media threats toward Joliet area schools, officers immediately began looking into the origins of the Instagram post and identified a 12-year-old boy as the suspect.

The boy was found at a relative’s home in Joliet and admitted to writing the post as a prank. He was taken into custody without incident and released to a family member with a referral to the River Valley Justice Center, according to investigators.

Police said officers searched the boy’s room and belongings and found no weapons or other contraband. Investigators believe the boy was a student at Dirksen Junior High.

This news comes just after two girls were arrested for making similar threats toward Joliet area schools .

The Joliet Police Department urges the public to call 911 or the department’s non-emergency line at 815-726-2491 to report any suspicious activity.

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