Teen Charged After Posting Photo With Rifle Threatening School On Social Media: Police

SPOTSYLVANIA COUNTY, VA — A Riverbend High School student threatened the school with a rifle on social media over the weekend, according to the Spotsylvania County's Sheriff's Office.

The student, a 15-year-old boy, has been charged with felony threats of death or bodily injury to persons on school property. He was arrested and taken to the Rappahannock Regional Juvenile Detention Center.

Authorities said the student's threat was never credible. The student's social media post showed a photo of a young man with a rifle and referenced "RHS."

"Every threat must be taken seriously," Spotsylvania Sheriff Roger Harris wrote on Facebook. "Threats of violence is no laughing matter and even if students believe a threat is a joke, they should let an adult know rather than reposting or sharing images on social media. Doing so creates an undue panic and stress for students, parents, and faculty."

On Tuesday, Spotsylvania deputies went to Riverbend High School after a caller said there was a gun on school property. After an investigation, authorities said the call was a hoax.

The sheriff's office have not said who made the hoax call and whether they will face any repercussions. Authorities did not say whether the hoax call was related to the social media threat.

The sheriff's office said anyone concerned about a threat can leave a tip by calling 1-800-928-5822 or 1-540-582-5822. Tips can also be submitted online.