Juvenile Charged In Threat Against Norwalk Middle School Hoax: Police

NORWALK, CT — A juvenile was arrested Wednesday in connection to a hoax involving a threatening online message against a Norwalk middle school, according to police.

In a news release, police said the juvenile posted a threatening message on the instant messaging app Snapchat regarding an alleged school shooting that was going to occur Thursday at Ponus Ridge Middle School.

Investigators determined the threat was a hoax and the juvenile was charged with first-degree threatening and fourth-degree computer crime, according to police.

"We want to thank the Ponus Middle School community and [Norwalk Public Schools]," police said in a news release, "for reporting this post and working with our investigators."

The arrest comes one day after two Norwalk teens were charged in connection to a hoax involving a post on Snapchat that "referenced a potential school shooting and bombing."

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.

Police 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."