Akron, NY (WBEN) An increased police presence at Akron Schools Wednesday after students came forward with what appeared to be a threatening social media message.
Superintendent Patrick McCabe says students came forward with a social media message on Snapchat they received. "The specific message was general in nature, it didn't identify a specific district," says McCabe, who says the students did the right thing by coming forward to the principal.
McCabe says another district saw a similar message, and a school resource officer told him that message is believed to have originated in Texas.
McCabe sent the following letter to parents:
Dear Parent, Students, and Staff,
This morning, we were made aware that a concerning screenshot is circulating on social media with a message of a threatening nature. We immediately began working with the Akron Police Department, Niagara County Sheriff's Department and the New York State Police Department to investigate the origin of this message. They have confirmed that this message did NOT originate within the Akron Central School District and was NOT pertaining to any students in our area. Akron Police Department has shared the following statement:
"A Snapchat message containing a non-specific school threat has been circulating through numerous districts locally and in other states. This threat has been investigated and found to not be credible."
We sincerely appreciate the assistance of the Akron Police Department, the Niagara County Sheriff's Department, and the New York State Police Department. We view any such reports extremely seriously and will always work in close partnership with law enforcement to ensure the safety of our students and staff. In addition to our two School Resource Officers and building Security Officer, the Akron Police Department will be sending an additional officer into the school and conducting increased patrols around the District out of an abundance of caution.
Sincerely,
Patrick D. McCabe
Superintendent of Schools
