Beachwood Schools Issues Statement on School Threats

BEACHWOOD, OH - District Superintendent Robert Hardis is telling parents that threats made to area schools yesterday and over the weekend have been deemed "not credible" by Beachwood Police.

Several threats were made towards area schools on Instagram, with one thread including threats towards "Beech Wood" schools. After a region-wide search, three 6th grade girls from Eastlake were arrested yesterday after confessing to making the threats. Eastlake Police Chief Larry Reik says two of the girls are 12-years-old, the third is 11-years-old.

Reik says the girls were likely inspired by recent national headlines about clown-related pranks and crimes. Police say the girls were remorseful and gave full confessions. Charges will be reviewed with the Juvenile Prosecutor and the department's diversion program.

Police in Garfield Heights are still searching for Instagram-users who made similar threats to other area schools. Currently, police believe there is more than one group or person behind the threats, though the girls were likely responsible for the threats toward east side schools.

"The safety of our schools is of paramount importance," Hardis said in a statement. "We will remain vigilant tomorrow and in the days to come, but want to be sure all of you know that these recent threats should not worry us."

Image via Beachwood Schools