Officials react quickly to GMS student's threat

School and law enforcement officials reacted quickly to a Wednesday night threat by a Greencastle Middle School student, preventing what could have been a dangerous situation.

The unnamed student posted a threatening comment on Facebook Wednesday evening, prompting Greencastle Superintendent Dr. Lori Richmond to release a statement regarding the incident on Thursday.

"Today, Greencastle Community School Corporation took extra precautions to continue to ensure the safety of all students," Richmond said. "It was brought to the attention of the administration that on Wednesday evening, a middle school student posted an inappropriate comment on Facebook. The comment involved doing harm to others, but it was not specific as to who, how or when."

Like the young suspect's name, the exact nature of the comment was not released, but authorities took swift action, with police intervening.

"The Greencastle Police responded promptly to the notice of the comment and took all necessary action with the individual on Wednesday evening," Richmond said.

"GCSC took extra precautions this morning (Thursday) to ensure that all students across the district remained safe. The student who wrote the comment was not on the premises today," Richmond noted.

The teenager will remain away from school, pending an investigation and possible discipline.

"This student will remain off school grounds for the foreseeable future while school officials complete their investigation in conjunction with the police and take additional disciplinary actions as necessary," she added.

GMS parents were notified of the situation shortly after 7 a.m. Thursday with a phone message from GMS Principal Tamra Walker. The principal informed parents of the basic circumstances, what authorities were doing and included a reassurance of the district's commitment to student safety.

Richmond kept this message consistent later in the day.

"We thank everyone, especially the Greencastle Police, for their prompt support to ensure the continued safety of all students in our community," Richmond concluded.