A juvenile faces a felony charge of intimidation following a threat made at Jennings County High School, police report.
At 4:23 p.m. Friday, the North Vernon Police Department made an arrest on a suspect regarding an intimidating AirDrop sent Thursday, according to a news release issued Saturday night by Sgt. Isaac Barkes, the department’s public information officer.
AirDrop is used to share and receive photos, documents and more with other Apple devices that are nearby.
Detectives with the police department along with School Resource Officer Matt Staples and Officer Michael Holliday worked closely with staff from Jennings County High School, Jennings County Middle School and Jennings County Juvenile Probation to conduct further investigation into the bomb threat AirDrop and gun AirDrop at the schools.
During the investigation, Barkes said numerous tips and information from students and staff in addition to video surveillance footage led to numerous interviews and phones being seized in relation to the offenses.
The information received ultimately led to a juvenile suspect, who was interviewed Friday at the police department. A voice stress analysis also was conducted by Andy Judd, a juvenile probation officer.
During the interview, Barkes said the juvenile provided a verbal admission to one of the AirDrops sent Thursday and also provided photo/electronic evidence of the crime.
At the conclusion of the interview, an arrest was made in accordance with Indiana state law for intimidation, a Level 5 felony. The juvenile was taken into custody and transported to a juvenile detention facility.
This investigation is still ongoing with future interviews planned, Barkes said.
“It is highly encouraged that anyone with any information contact the North Vernon Police Department or contact SRO Matt Staples or Jennings County School Corp.,” he said. “Tips and information can be left anonymously.”
Barkes said the police department and school corporation have the safety of students and staff at the forefront and will continue to work diligently and tirelessly to maintain that high level of safety.
“The North Vernon Police Department has zero tolerance for anyone who threatens the life, safety or security of another person, the schools or businesses,” he said. “We will continue to tirelessly work to bring justice for all persons involved in these and other crimes. This is an excellent example of community policing and how quickly crimes may be solved with the aid of the community. For this, we thank you.”
Anyone with information should call 812-346-2345.