RIPLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A juvenile has been arrested on charges of Terroristic Threats on Sunday following confirmation of plans to enact a school shooting.
Sheriff RH Melinger with the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department reports that during the late afternoon and early evening hours of Sunday, January 29, 2023, deputies with the department received and responded to a call for service regarding a potential threat for a school shooting planned for Monday at Ripley Middle School.
Authorities swiftly apprehended the suspect, a juvenile male, at “a rural county location.” Upon apprehending the juvenile male, electronic devices were seized which corroborated reports of the intended terroristic act.
“Upon further investigation, the threat appeared to be genuine and sincere in nature and somewhat thought out by the suspect,” says Sheriff RH Melinger.
The juvenile has been arrested on charges of Terroristic Threats and currently awaits placement in a state juvenile facility.
The investigation was conducted in conjunction with the Jackson County Board of Education and Superintendent Will Hossaflook, and “will continue to be investigated to the fullest extent,” says Sheriff Melinger.
Sheriff Melinger goes on to assure that the department has detected no additional threats at this time and expresses gratitude at having been able to intervene prior to any dangerous or even potentially fatal events unfolding.
“There are no other threats or concerns at this time, as we feel fortunate to have been notified at an early stage, which gave opportunity for a thorough investigation outside the presence and attendance of children and staff,” Sheriff Melinger continues.
“It is our steadfast position that the threat is null and void at this time. Thank you to all that aided in this quick intervention.”
Additional LOOTPRESS crime coverage can be found here.