C’view student also arrested for threats

VW independent/submitted information

A second student is in custody for making threatening social media posts targeting Crestview students, according to Van Wert County Sheriff Thomas M. Riggenbach.

The sheriff announced that his office has arrested a Crestview student in connection with two Instagram posts that contained threats toward Crestview Local Schools and its students. During the investigation, a search warrant was issued for a Convoy residence, and evidentiary items were collected there. Investigators also interviewed residents of the home and obtained a confession from a juvenile concerning the social media posts.

Sheriff Riggenbach said the student was arrested and charged with two counts of inducing panic, each a felony of the second degree, and one count of telecommunications harassment, a misdemeanor of the first degree.

The unidentified student was transported to a juvenile detention facility pending an appearance in Van Wert County Juvenile Court on the charges. Furthermore, additional charges may be filed in connection with the case, the sheriff added.

Sheriff Riggenbach thanked Crestview officials, staff, and students for the help they provided in Thursday’s incident, as well as the Van Wert County Prosecutor’s Office, Van Wert Police Department, and Ohio State Highway Patrol, for their help in the investigation.

“I am very thankful for the cooperation and support that exists among law enforcement and the prosecutor’s office in Van Wert County,” Sheriff Riggenbach noted. “The events that took place Wednesday and Thursday were challenging, and the men and women of all the agencies in our community stepped up to do what was needed for the people of our county. I am proud to be a part of that.”

The sheriff is also asking that anyone who has information about these posts, or future threats, contact his Office at 419.238.3866, use the Crime Tips link on the Sheriff’s Office website at www.vanwertcountysheriff.com, or call Van Wert County Crime Stoppers at 419.238.STOP.

The Hardin County Sheriff’s Office and West Central Ohio Crime Task Force also assisted in the social media investigation.