NEWS RELEASE

November 17, 2017

Media Contact:
Deputy Chief Troy Daniels
217.403.6909 | troy.daniels@champaignil.gov

Police Investigation Reveals No Intended Threat of Harm towards Students

On Monday, November 13, 2017, Champaign Police responded to Centennial High School after being made
aware that a student posted a suggestive threat on social media, allegedly aimed towards the school.
Investigation into the incident revealed there was no credible threat, and that the post was intended as a joke
towards other students.

The following information is shared as an update, and to bring awareness to the community partnership
needs around social media posting and reporting.

Police investigations revealed that on Sunday, November 12, a student posted a photo of himself while
engaged in target practice at a shooting range. A friend of the individual reposted that photo with added text
for students not to come to school tomorrow. From there, the photo was shared widely and reposted a
number of times, with a variation of suggestive threats as well as unawareness of where the post originated.

Administrators at Centennial were alerted to the social media post on Monday morning and contacted Police.
Additional Police staff were made available at the onset of the school day and one of the individuals in
question was taken into custody for interview immediately upon arrival to school and parental contact. A
second student in question was contacted at his home and also taken into custody for interview.

The investigation revealed no immediate threat and further review revealed no evidence of intended threat by
the individuals involved. A 15-year-old male juvenile was arrested for Disorderly Conduct, with referral
made to the Youth Assessment Center juvenile diversion program; and investigative findings were shared
with the States Attorneys Office for review.

During the investigation, Police and Unit 4 Officials learned of concerned students who saw the post on
Sunday evening and did not attend school because of the potential threat; however, authorities were not
alerted until shortly before the start of school on Monday. The Champaign Police Department, in partnership
with Unit 4 Schools, is committed to providing a safe environment for all citizens, especially children in our
community. This incident is a reminder to youth and families that Police count on the communitys
partnership to immediately report incidents that may be alarming, or present potential threat, suspicion, or
harassing behaviors. Parents/guardians are encouraged to talk with youth around social media accountability
and the importance of reporting cautionary information to parents and/or authorities.

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Champaign Police | 82 E. University Ave | 217.351.4545 | www.champaignpolice.com | Facebook and Twitter @ ChampaignPD