School Threats Traced To Girl From Columbia: Police

COLUMBIA, MD — A 12-year-old Columbia girl has been charged in connection with threats made against multiple schools in Columbia this week, according to authorities. She attends a school in Howard County, which police said has been notified of her arrest.

The girl, who will not be identified because she is a juvenile, has been criminally charged with making a threat of mass violence, disrupting school activities and disorderly conduct.

Investigators say they are continuing to determine whether anyone else was involved in the hoax, which involved a social media post that said someone was planning shootings at various Columbia schools.

Patch previously reported that Wilde Lake Middle, Swansfield Elementary and Harper's Choice Middle schools were all on alert Tuesday due to the threat, resulting in increased police presence.

SEE ALSO: Threats At Columbia Schools Draw Increased Police Presence

"Howard County police take threats against schools and other public institutions very seriously," the Howard County Police Department said in a statement on Wednesday, Nov. 14. "All students should be reminded of the serious nature of these types of threats, which are not considered 'jokes' and will result in criminal charges."

Law enforcement officials said they were notified on Monday, Nov. 12, of the social media post. School officials said it originated on Snapchat.

When detectives traced the user's account, they determined the 12-year-old Columbia girl had set up the account, according to officials.

"Investigators have found no evidence of a credible threat," police reported.

File photo.