Police Check, Dismiss 2 Threats from Clarkstown North Students

Clarkstown police report investigating two recent incidents stemming from the actions and words of two students at Clarkstown North High School.

On May 4 the department investigated a report from some students that a fellow male student made a verbal threat that he was going to shoot the school up on the following day. It was determined that that the threat was not credible. Due to the age of the student, school administration will handle the disciplinary issues arising from this incident.

The second incident occurred on May 6, police said. A concerned female Clarkstown High School North student advised Clarkstown officers that a male student posted a Snapchat image of himself with a gun to his head with the caption "Do Not Go to School Today."

The Clarkstown Police Department investigated this incident and it was determined to be a hoax. The 17-year-old, a Congers resident, was charged with falsely reporting an incident 3rd (misdemeanor). He was given an appearance ticket and will return to the Clarkstown Justice Court next month.

“We cannot, nor will we, tolerate disruptions to the learning environment or behavior that causes our students and families to be fearful,” said Clarkstown School Superintendent Dr. J. Thomas Morton. “Regardless of the intention, our school administrators in partnership with the Clarkstown Police Department will investigate and ensure that there are swift and appropriate consequences both in our schools and through the legal system for those who choose to make threats of violence. Please take time to talk to your children about these issues and have open discussions about what they are reading on social media and hearing at school.”

The police and the district work together in these situations to ensure that the safety and well-being of all students and the community is paramount. Recent legislation throughout the country has enacted laws that make it a felony to make terroristic threats. These threats, even when made as a “joke," cause great stress, interfere with the educational process, and undermine the efforts put in place to protect our children.

“The Clarkstown Police Department, in partnership with our School Administrators, have zero tolerance for any threats made for any reason. Such threats will be thoroughly investigated and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” said Clarkstown Police Chief Michael Sullivan.