11-Year-Old Threatens Middle School Students: Baltimore County Officials

DUNDALK, MD — An 11-year-old "made a highly inappropriate and threatening statement about shooting students" at a Baltimore County school, officials told Patch on Tuesday.

Authorities said the Sparrows Point Middle School student shared threats online.

"Based on the information gathered during the investigation, any potential or perceived threats have been mitigated and there is no active threat," the Baltimore County Police Department said in a press release. "Still, this matter remains under investigation to ensure our schools and community remain safe."

Principal Eric Eiswert said the threat happened last Thursday afternoon, and he first notified families that day.

Eiswert said the student was removed from the classroom and "will receive serious consequences."

Eiswert sent additional updates to the community on Friday and Tuesday. Patch obtained copies of his three letters.

"I understand that this situation is deeply concerning, and I want to acknowledge the alarm it has caused for many families," Eiswert said in Tuesday's letter. "Please know that the safety of our students remains our highest priority, and both the school and the Baltimore County Police Department are taking every necessary step to protect our students now and in the immediate future."

Eiswert said the school "will be working with families connected to the September 18 incident to develop individualized safety plans."

"In addition, Student Support Services is providing expanded counseling resources for any student who may need support," he said. "Out of an abundance of caution, we will continue to maintain an increased presence of safety personnel and Baltimore County Police patrols in our school community."

Eiswert promised more details when available. He also urged "everyone in our community to avoid spreading inaccurate or incomplete information about the incident."

"While the disclosure of private student information is prohibited and I am unable to provide specific details regarding disciplinary actions, I want to reassure you that Baltimore County Public Schools takes all threats to school communities extremely seriously," the principal said. "Any student found to be engaging in this type of behavior will face serious school and legal consequences, in accordance with the BCPS Student Handbook, Board policy, and Maryland state law."

Officers doubled down on the serious consequences of threatening schools.

"The Department wants to remind students of all ages, parents, and community members of the seriousness of making threats and the disruption they create," Baltimore County Police said. "As we move forward, the Department urges anyone with a knowledge of a threat or suspicious activity to immediately report it."