Police Probed 'Potential School Shooting Or Bomb Threat' At Tiverton High

TIVERTON, RI — Police probed a "potential school shooting or bomb threat" made by a Tiverton High School student but determined it was not actually a threat, the department said.

A school guidance counselor told the law Friday morning of one student overhearing another say, "Monday is going to be a blast," the Tiverton Police Department said in a media release.

"While the counselor did not initially believe the statement
constituted a direct threat, school administrators contacted law enforcement out of an abundance of caution," the release said.

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It turned out the counselor was correct, according to the release.

"The student who made the original statement was interviewed by police and school officials," the release said.

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"The student acknowledged making the comment but stated i t was made in reference to a movie and denied any intent to threaten the school or its students," according to the release. "Interviews with other students indicated that the original comment had been taken out of context and that rumors had expanded as the story spread among students."

Officers also asked the parents and guardians of the students involved if they had access to firearms or other weapons, according to the release.

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"All parents advised that the juveniles involved did not
have access to firearms in their homes," the release said.

"Based on the investigation, no evidence was developed indicating that a credible threat had been made against Tiverton High School," the release said. "However, the Tiverton Police Department and school officials treated the matter seriously and responded quickly to ensure the safety of
students and staff."

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Tiverton Police Chief James Costa said his department "takes all potential threats involving our schools very seriously."

"Even when information later proves to be unfounded or taken out of context, we investigate thoroughly to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community," Costa said in the release.

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