Laurel Elementary School Shooting Threat Called In By 12-Year-Old N.C. Boy: Police

PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, MD — Laurel police detectives have identified a juvenile in North Carolina as the suspect who called in a school shooting threat to Laurel Elementary School.

On Sept. 15 at approximately 8:23 a.m., staff at Laurel Elementary School received an anonymous call threatening a shooting at the school. The school was immediately placed on lockdown and officers from the Laurel Police Department provided security, conducted safety checks and launched an investigation. The investigation determined that the threat had been made by a 12-year-old boy living in Greensboro, North Carolina, the police reported.

"Due to recent changes in Maryland’s law, we are prohibited from making an arrest in this case. The juvenile’s parents were notified and the matter was referred to the appropriate jurisdiction in North Carolina," the Laurel Police Department stated.

"We commend the staff and teachers at Laurel Elementary School for their professionalism and the Laurel Police Criminal Investigations Division for identifying the suspect who made the threats. Although members of the school community were not in danger, the effects of these types of events are detrimental to our students, staff and the entire community, as well as a severe drain on school and law enforcement resources," the police department added.

If anyone has any additional information regarding this incident, they can contact The Laurel Police Department at 301-498-0092 or anonymous tips can also be sent to LPDtips@laurel.md.us.