SALINE COUNTY —The Salina Police are investigating an alleged threat against Salina Central High School, 650 E Crawford Street in Salina, after a threatening message was sent to the school's social media page on Tuesday night, according to Salina Police Captain James Feldman. The message was sent to the school's page at approximately 9 p.m.
"The threat, which was sent via Instagram, claimed that an individual would 'shoot up the school' on Wednesday around 10 a.m."
Feldman said USD 305 officials immediately contacted the school resource officer and Salina Police to investigate. Salina Police worked through the night with Instagram and Google's assistance to trace the origin of the threat.
The message was tracked to Ravenna, Ohio, a town south of Cleveland.
On Wednesday morning, Ravenna Police Department officers were able to identify and take the suspect, who is a minor, into custody.
Feldman said the suspect is a high school student previously involved in a relationship with a Salina Central student. The suspect allegedly made the threat after the couple broke up.
To ensure the safety of students and staff, additional officers were deployed at Salina Central on Monday morning, according to Salina Police. Two patrol officers were stationed at the school along with the School Resource Officer, who normally provides security for both Central High and other schools in the district.
SPD continues to coordinate with Ravenna Police and charges are pending against the suspect.