1 Arrested In Gun Threat That Postponed Homecoming Game

WAPPINGERS FALLS, NY — A student has been charged with making a terroristic threat that led school officials to postpone the school's homecoming activities.

On Friday evening, around 4:30 p.m., a social media threat was reported to the Roy C. Ketcham HS Building Administration, which caused the Roy C. Ketcham versus John Jay Football Varsity Football game to be postponed, and the Roy C. Ketcham HS campus to be evacuated, according to Wappingers Central School District Superintendent Dwight Bonk.

The superintendent said that the safety of students and staff was top priority after the social media post with a video of an individual saying "I am going to be bringing a gun to RCK Football Homecoming game and you are going to see the outcome live."

"Actions such as these are clearly disturbing, concerning, and are always taken seriously," Bonk said.

Later in the evening, the school district confirmed that the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office identified and located the person responsible for the social media threat.

The superintendent added that the Homecoming game has been rescheduled for 3 p.m. on Saturday at Roy C. Ketcham HS. The Homecoming Dance will take place as scheduled at 6 p.m. in the school gymnasium.

On Saturday afternoon, the Dutchess County Sheriff's Office confirmed the events of Friday afternoon and provided more details on their investigation of the social media threat.

In collaboration with the School Resource Officer, Sheriff's Office detectives identified and arrested a student for making a terrorist threat. The student was later released with an appearance ticket and ordered to appear at the Town of Wappinger Court at a later date.

The Sheriff's Office said it appreciated the cooperation of all the members of the school and public present during Friday's events. The incident still remains under investigation and more information may be released in the future.

Sheriff Kirk Imperati thanked the employees of Roy C. Ketcham High School who reported the incident immediately to law enforcement and thanked the Wappingers Central School District for its cooperation and assistance.

He added that law enforcement and school districts "take complaints of this nature very seriously and pursue any and all charges when possible against those who look to harm or joke of harming our school communities."

The Sheriff's Office reminded the public to be vigilant in reporting suspicious behavior and social media threats, especially those against schools, to law enforcement.

If anyone has information pertaining to this case, they are asked to reach out to the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office Detective Bureau at 845-486-3820. Information can also be given through the Sheriff’s Office tipline at 845-605-2583 or by emailing dcsotips@gmail.com. All information will be kept confidential.