Student charged for threatening post; second threatening post probed by sheriff

Van Wert independent

An unnamed Van Wert student is in custody in connection with a threatening Instagram post discovered Wednesday night, while the Van Wert County Sheriff’s Department is currently investigating a similar threatening Instagram post aimed at Crestview Local Schools.

A statement by Van Wert Interim Superintendent Staci Kaufman noted that the unnamed student has been charged with inducing panic involving a school, a second degree felony, and telecommunications harassment, a felony of the fourth degree.

The statement also noted:

“We are grateful to the Van Wert Police Department, sheriff department, highway patrol, and others who have assisted to resolve this threat quickly.

“VWCS keeps student and staff safety first. Today, we made a decision to close school in regard to a threat made. Staff will continue to review and rehearse safety procedures, in light of school violence nationally and the threat made today.”

The threatening Instagram post, by a user known only as “unknown.vw”, said: “Vw this is my only warning. This month your school will be disrupted, i will not feel pitty (sic) for what i am soon to do.”

Kaufman said the police department worked through the night in investigating the Instagram threat, while also noting that a decision on whether to close school is not automatic when threats are made, but would be decided on a case-by-case  basis.

Lt. Doug Weigle of the Van Wert Police Department also noted that Van Wert County Assistant Prosecutor Steve Diller would be releasing a statement on the arrest later today.

Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas Riggenbach had also stationed deputies at Lincolnview, Crestview, and Vantage schools in connection with the Van Wert threat, while deputies remain at those schools today because of a second threatening post against Crestview.

“I believe that the school is safe,” Sheriff Riggenbach said of Crestview during a cell phone call today, noting that he and two of his deputies are currently in the school to provide protection.

Meanwhile, his office is working to determine who is responsible for the second Instagram post threatening Crestview.

Crestview Superintendent Mike Estes also sent out the following letter to district residents regarding the second threatening Instagram post and also posted it on the school website:

“In light of recent national events and a recent post presented on social media, I want to assure you that the safety of our students and staff are of utmost importance.

“Early this morning the administration became aware of a post via Instagram involving a general threat. School was delayed this morning to allow law enforcement to investigate the post. After communicating with law enforcement the decision was made to start at the conclusion of a three-hour delay. At the time the decision to continue classes was made knowing that no immediate threat to Crestview Local Schools existed.

“Upon the start of the school day, a separate Instagram post was presented to many of our students. The social media account has been removed and is under investigation by law enforcement. Currently, there is a heavy law enforcement presence at Crestview to ensure the safety of our students and staff. This will continue through the resolution of this latest concern. The safety and security of our students and staff will continue to be our top priority.”

Estes also noted that anyone with questions could call his office at 419.749.9100, option 4.