Oakland County Student Arrested After Making School Shooting Threat: Police Say

SOUTH LYON, MI — A South Lyon East High School student was arrested Wednesday after writing a message on a bathroom wall threatening to shoot up the school, the Oakland County Sheriff's Office said.

The 15-year-old sophomore, who lives in Wixom, was placed in the Oakland County Children’s Village Wednesday by Juvenile Court Referee Karla Mallett, officials said. A hearing for the student is set for Thursday.

The student also told school officials and officers that he was responsible for the threat, which put the school in lockdown for more than four hours Tuesday, officials said.

The lockdown ended at 2 p.m. and all after school activities were canceled as officers searched the school at 52200 W. Ten Mile Road in Lyon Township for 10 hours, officials said.

No weapons were found and investigators do not believe the threat was credible at the time, officials said.

"As I have said from the beginning, if you make a threat against a school or for that matter any institution, we will do everything in our power to hold you to account," Sheriff Michael Bouchard
said. "The anxiety and the fear these threats cause is substantial — even if the threat is not credible."

Students can expect an increased police presence at the high school through the rest of the week, officials said. In addition, school officials told students not to bring any backpacks, but should bring their Chromebooks, as they're searched with a handheld metal detector prior to entering the building.

Officials reminded the public to contact law enforcement if they receive a threat or know of a threat of violence against their community. Tips can also be left 24-7 with the state’s OK2SAY hotline by calling 8-555-OK2SAY (855-565-2729) or texting 652729 (OK2SAY).