Online Threat Toward Northwest High School, Student In Custody

(Updated at 6:45 p.m. Friday): GERMANTOWN, MD — A Northwest High School student is in custody after allegedly making an online threat towards the Germantown school Friday morning.

Principal Jimmy D'Andrea sent a message to parents stating that a student called police to report a social media post that warned students not to come to the school Friday.

D'Andrea said a source of the social media postings was determined and a person is in custody.

Later Friday night, Montgomery County Police announced a 15-year-old male student was charged with creating the post that referenced guns at the school at 13501 Richter Farm Rd. He was charged with offenses relating to "disrupting school operations," police said.

The teen was returned to the custody of his parents after he was charged, police said. This case has been referred to the Department of Juvenile Services for adjudication.

The threat prompted additional police presence at the school throughout the day, although "police continue to believe that there is not a credible threat to Northwest HS," D'Andrea said.

"Safety and security is our absolute top priority, and I am very proud of the student who made the call to police this morning," D'Andrea said in the statement.

In an additional letter sent home to parents Friday afternoon, D'Andrea said over 650 parents came to the school before 11 a.m. to pick up their children.

"As a result of recent events locally and nationally, I know that the social media postings today evoked a range of emotions for our students," D'Andrea said.

D'Andrea said all absences Friday will be marked as excused.

The threat comes one day after a student from Germantown was arrested in Clarksburg for bringing a loaded gun and knife to the school.

Montgomery County Police said in a news release: "MCP encourages parents to have a conversation with their children about responsible social media posts. Parents are reminded to monitor their child’s social media accounts and encourage them to not to re-post or share rumors or threats. Instead of sharing the posts, they should contact an adult. Remember, if you see something, say something."

If you have any questions, you can contact the school at 301-601-4660.

Photo via Montgomery Community Media