Johnston Student Threatens Violence, Prompting Lockdown

JOHNSTON, RI — A Johnston High School student was arrested Thursday after making threats and causing a lockdown, according to police.

The student, a boy under 18, made verbal threats to another student in the morning, according to police, triggering a lockdown. Police and school administrators then conducted an investigation and determined that the threats were unsubstantiated. No physical evidence was found of immediate danger to students or staff, and the lockdown was lifted.

The student was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct, police said, and later released to the custody of his parents.

Later that morning, school administrators were made aware of a threatening social media post. As a precaution, students were dismissed at 10 a.m., though the threat was determined to not be credible. No other Johnston schools were threatened.

Classes will resume at the high school tomorrow. The student who was arrested will not be at school, and will face disciplinary action, the school told police.