Student arrested in connection with online threat
A person playing online video games with the student reported the threat to Rostraver police.
A 15-year-old girl has been arrested in connection with an online threat referencing a school shooting involving Belle Vernon Area School District, the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday.
A person in Minnesota who was playing online video games with the girl reported to Rostraver Township police last week that she made a threat of violence during their gaming session, said Melanie Jones, spokeswoman for the district attorney’s office.
The Rostraver Township Police Department, Belle Vernon Area School District, and Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole W. Ziccarelli announced the arrest.
“The prompt and proactive measures of the Rostraver Police Department and Belle Vernon Area School District to intercept this threat, credible or not, should be commended,” Ziccarelli said. “I am thankful for the individual who reported this and that all students and staff are safe.”
The Rostraver Township Police started an investigation last week after the threat was made while the juvenile was playing online video games with a person in Minnesota.
The online player from Minnesota reported the threat to local authorities.
Rostraver Township police executed a search warrant at the juvenile’s residence and for any related electronic devices. The Westmoreland District Attorney’s office said that the student will be charged as a juvenile and faces charges of terroristic threats and simple assault.
“Rostraver Township Police would like to commend the online gamer for taking this threat seriously, showing initiative, and having the courage to reach out and contact our department,” Rostraver Police Chief Scott Sokol said. “We are truly thankful for the support of our district attorney’s office and the cooperation of our school district.”
In a statement Wednesday, BVA Superintendent Dr. Timothy Glasspool reiterated that the collaboration between the district and law enforcement was essential to the investigation. Glasspool added that all schools are operating as normal, and there is no known ongoing threat to the district.
“I want to reassure our families that this situation was addressed quickly and proactively,” Glasspool said. “The coordinated response between our school district and law enforcement agencies ensured that appropriate actions were taken to protect our students and staff.
“We are extremely grateful to the individual who reported this concern, as well as to the Rostraver Township Police Department and the Westmoreland County District Attorney’s Office for their swift and thorough response. Their actions, along with the strong partnership we maintain with local law enforcement, were critical in ensuring a safe outcome for our school community.”
Glasspool, in his statement, also emphasized to families the importance of reporting anything that might be out of the ordinary.
“As always, we encourage our students, staff, and families to continue to ‘see something, say something,’” he said. “Open communication and vigilance are essential in helping us maintain a safe and supportive environment for everyone. The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority.
“We will continue to work closely with law enforcement and take any necessary steps to ensure our schools remain safe.”
