Instagram Post With Toy Gun Investigated By County Police

SHRUB OAK, NY — A suspicious Instagram post Thursday of a teenage boy holding what was thought to be a molded plastic gun was investigated by the Westchester County Police. According to information on the Lakeland school district's website, the police determined the weapon was a foam toy gun and the implied threat —"finishing what another person started" — was not credible in nature.

School officials said the student in question will not be permitted on campus pending an internal review of the incident by the district.

"The Lakeland School District takes all threats both direct and implied very seriously," the statement on the website said. "Parents are reminded to communicate the serious impact and the consequences of disseminating messages of this nature with their children."

The post appeared shortly before midnight Thursday and the district was alerted to it.

The district was not specifically referenced in the post.

County police were immediately notified, and the student was identified as someone who attends Walter Panas High School. School officials said he was questioned by the police.

Administration of both the high school and middle school said they will be reinforcing the responsible use of social media and the repercussions of inappropriate use during the school day.

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