'Potentially Threatening Comment' By North Harford Student Probed

HARFORD COUNTY, MD — Authorities said a "potentially threatening comment" made by a North Harford High School student resulted in an investigation. Deputies were informed about the comment on Thursday, Dec. 13, officials reported.

"The origins of the statement have been thoroughly investigated, and the threat has been deemed to be unfounded," the Harford County Sheriff's Office said in a statement on Friday, Dec. 14.

It was the second incident reported by the sheriff's office related to school safety this week.

A social media threat resulted in extra law enforcement at Patterson Mill on Thursday, Dec. 13, officials said. Additional school resource officers and patrol units were stationed at the school on Patterson Mill Road as students arrived Thursday morning.

In that case, The Aegis reported a 15-year-old Patterson Mill student was charged with disturbing school operations and a threat of mass violence after allegedly sending multiple text messages to another student that were characterized as threatening.

SEE ALSO: More Deputies At Patterson Mill Thursday, HCSO Says

The state of Maryland launched a tip line in October so students, family members, parents, teachers, administrators and other community members can anonymously report issues that point to potential violence in schools.

People may report information to Safe Schools Maryland in the following ways:

• Using the Apple app
• Using Google Play
• Online at www.SafeSchoolsMD.org
• Calling 1-833-MD-B-SAFE (1-833-632-7233)

Trained technicians from the Maryland Emergency Management Agency will respond to reports 24/7. Then the tips will be assigned to local school safety personnel to take action.

This is a developing story and may be updated.

Pictured, North Harford County School. Photo Credit: Harford County Public Schools.