Metro Police Say School Threat Pranks Could End With Prison Time

School threats continue to be discovered at metro schools. 

Friday, October 9th 2015, 6:16 pm

By: News 9


School threats continue to be discovered at metro schools. At least eight have been reported just this week. According to police some have not been credible, but the consequences could be serious.

One of the latest incidents unfolded at Putnam City North High School Friday. After parents were told a threatening message was found in a bathroom, roughly 70 percent picked up their kids for the day.

The potentially dangerous situations distracted thousands of students from schoolwork. Investigations into hit lists, bomb and shooting threats meant cautious parents pulled their kids from class.

“It’s very serious,” said parent Ebony Stevenson. “I’m just hoping it’s just pranks and nothing happens.”

After a shooting threat found on a Norman North High School bathroom stall Monday, several others followed throughout the week.

10/7/15 Related Story: Police Investigating Another Copycat Threat Found At Metro School

Steve Lindley with Putnam City Schools said the district is investigating Friday’s find.

“It’s disrupted the lives of thousands of people. There’s nothing funny about that. It’s frightened parents, so it’s a serious matter and it’s something parents should talk to their children about,” Lindley added.

Police said the crime is a felony, meaning the punishment for the possible pranks could end with prison time.

“If we have probable cause to make an arrest we will do so. We’re going to investigate these cases to the fullest extent of our abilities,” said MSgt. Gary Knight with the Oklahoma City Police Department.

Last year, Shawn Farley threatened to shoot up PC North and was sent to bootcamp by a judge. But he failed out and is now sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Parents said it's a consequence, prank or otherwise, not worth what's at risk. The threats put the learning process on pause and foster new fears.

“Hopefully she can come back Monday and be safe and you know, not scared to come to class,” Stevenson said.

Police also want to remind everyone of the old adage, if you see something, you should say something. Even if you don't know if it's something dangerous, they will always check things out.

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