Conway Middle student charged after social media threats against two schools
A teenager made social media threats against two Horry County schools leading to a massive police investigation and criminal charges.
Parents at Conway and Whittemore Park middle schools were told of the threats earlier this week, and police increased their presence at both schools.
A 13-year-old Conway Middle School student was charged as a juvenile for making school threats. His name has not been released. Horry County Schools Spokeswoman Lisa Bourcier declined to say if the student has been removed from the school.
Horry County police, Conway police and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division investigated the threats posted on the students’ Instagram account earlier this week, according to a police report.
The student’s mom told police she was unaware of the situation, and the teen told officers it was a joke, according to the report.
Police searched the student’s cellphone and found several pictures of Conway Middle School students and staff, the report states.
Bourcier said principals at both middle schools emailed parents to inform them about the threats.
“While the investigation continues, we ask parents to talk with their children and emphasize the seriousness of social media posts and inappropriate sharing of information that could cause safety concerns amongst students and staff,” the first notification reads. “We continue to encourage parents and students to come forward if they are aware of any threats being made towards our schools as HCS is committed to the safety of all of our students and staff.”
The next day, district officials sent an update on the incident.
“The student was charged by the police department, and the student will also be subject to school disciplinary actions. I want to thank those who came forward with this information and alerted both the school and law enforcement regarding the social media post. I also want to thank the Conway Police Department and the Horry County Police Department for their assistance with the investigation.”
