Teen Arrested After 'Racist Threat' At High School: Police

RIVERHEAD, NY — A 16-year old was arrested Tuesday after a 911 call regarding a "possible act of violence" at Riverhead High School, police said.

At 9:41 a.m., the Riverhead Police Department received the 911 call; police dispatch isolated the 911 call and it was determined that the call was made from a cell phone within Riverhead High School, police said.

Riverhead patrol units were dispatched to the high school, where an initial investigation was conducted with school administrators and security; as a precaution, the school was placed on lockdown during the initial response, police said.

Riverhead Police detectives were notified and responded to the school, and, during the initial investigation, it was determined that the 911 call was isolated involving two individual students who were in attendance at the school, police said.

Interviews were conducted at Riverhead Police headquarters with all involved, police said.

A 16-year old male student was arrested and charged as a result of the ongoing investigation; he was charged with one count of third degree falsely reporting an incident, a misdemeanor, police said.

No students were injured or in any immediate danger as a result of the 911 call being made, police said.

The Riverhead High School lockdown and district wide lockout were lifted at 11:20 a.m. after a "racist threat" Tuesday, according to a message on the district's website.

"The lockout and lockdown have been lifted. Schools will proceed with a normal day. Thank you for your cooperation as we handled this matter," the district said.

But the earlier part of the day sparked concerns.

As of 11 a.m, the district said, "Riverhead High School is now under lockdown. All other schools remain on lockout."

Earlier in the morning, the district said that the Riverhead Town Police Department "informed district administration that a racist threat was made against students at Riverhead High School. As the police and district security investigate the credibility of this threat, all Riverhead Central School District schools are on lockout. A lockout prohibits any visitor from entering the building. We will update you as soon as more information is available."

Police said that they were following protocol and procedure at the district but could not say what type of threat was received.