Cranston Police: Investigation Ongoing Into Cranston West Threats

CRANSTON, RI — Cranston police continue to investigate threats against Cranston High School West, police Maj. Todd Patalano said Thursday. And the police are still working to identify the responsible person or people. He dismissed a social media comment stating the police had identified a suspect.

"Today there was a statement made on social media by someone other than the police or school officials that had inaccurate information," he said. He cautioned people against relying on such posts.

"If there is information that is pertinent and needs to be disseminated, it will be provided by the police or school administration immediately to the students, parents, faculty and the public," he said. Meanwhile, the school is operating on "enhanced security protocol," Maj. Patalano said, and that precaution will stay in effect indefinitely. The protocol includes extra patrols.

Maj. Patalano also said although this threat has "low credibility," the police nonetheless take all school threats seriously.

“The Cranston Police Department in conjunction with the Cranston School Department has been actively investigating threats specific to Cranston High School West," he wrote in an e-mail message. "The Cranston Public Schools follow their district safety protocols in response to matter such as this. Once school officials became aware of the threats, they immediately reported them to the department’s School Resource Officer who is assigned to the school on a full-time basis. Although we categorize these threats as having low credibility, we take all threats seriously and have implemented an enhanced security plan in coordination with school officials, to include increased patrols at the school which will continue as long as necessary. If we are able to determine who made the threats, he or she will be charged to the fullest extent of the law.”

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