STERLING HEIGHTS (WWJ) - A 13-year-old could face some serious prison time after allegedly threatening to shoot up multiple schools in Sterling Heights.
The threats, which police say were found to be not valid, were made on Instagram on May 27 and referenced shootings that were to occur on May 28.
"He did list a few schools but it was more of a broad threat than actual specific," Lieutenant Mario Bastianelli told WWJ's Dan Jenkins.
An investigation led to the arrest of a 13-year-old from Hamtramck.
Meantime, police received another complaint of a copycat Instagram threat toward Davis Junior High School and are currently investigating that threat, though it appears to be unsubstantiated at this time.
As a precaution, schools will have an extra police presence on location while the investigation continues.
"There has been an increase of police presence at all of our schools," said Bastianelli. "The security and safety is of upmost importance to the police department and we will utilize all of our resources into making sure that is accomplished and that we keep everyone safe."
Anyone found guilty of making school threats is committing an act of terrorism, which is a felony punishable up to 20 years in prison.
"Whatever the motivation might be, whether it be to scare people or have the school shut down for the day, regardless of the intent and whether they have the ability to follow through or not, we're going to prosecute anyone who makes these threats to the fullest of our capability," said Bastianelli.
Anyone with information on these incidents is encouraged to contact the Sterling Heights Police Department's Investigations Bureau at 586-446-2825.
