2 Norwalk Teens Charged In School Threat Hoax: Police

NORWALK, CT — Two Norwalk teens were charged Tuesday in connection to a hoax involving online threats made against a school, according to police.

In a news release, police said the department's Special Victims Unit received information early Tuesday about a post on the instant messaging app Snapchat that "referenced a potential school shooting and bombing."

Officers traced the post to a home in Norwalk, where they later found and identified a 14-year-old as the person responsible for the post, police said.

After further investigation, officers discovered a 13-year-old Norwalk teen was also involved in sharing or creating the post, police said.

After interviewing both teens and their parents, officers concluded the post was not credible. They also determined the post was related to an online gaming platform the teens were engaged with and was meant as a hoax, according to police.

Both teens were charged with breach of peace and summoned to juvenile court.

"The investigators quickly determined that this threatening post was a hoax, and no Norwalk public school was ever targeted," police said in a news release. "In partnership with the Norwalk Public Schools, we want to reassure everyone that we are working tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff in schools."

Police also ask the community to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the Norwalk Police Department.

"Malicious posts intended to bring public alarm and fear will be fully investigated, and enforcement will be taken," police said. "We need everyone's cooperation when reposting or sharing information on social media. While well-intentioned, continued sharing of these messages can lead to unnecessary fear and concern, increasing stress across the community."