(Atlantic, Iowa) – In an update to our earlier posts: Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue said this (Sunday) afternoon, a 12-year-ol juvenile was taken into custody in connection to alleged threats on social media, made towards the Atlantic Middle School and Schuler Elementary School.

The Chief says “On Sunday, Sept. 8th, the Atlantic Police Department received a report of a threat that was posted on social media that named two of our district buildings as a target. An investigation into the incident has found that the threat is not credible and students and staff are not in danger to attend school tomorrow [Monday], September 9^th, 2024. However, due to the seriousness of the threat and the disruption to the school and learning environment, a 12 -year-old juvenile has been taken into custody and transported to the Juvenile Detention Center in Council Bluffs.

The juvenile – who was not identified because of his age – is being charged with Threats of Terrorism and False Reports to or Communications with Public Safety Entities.

Chief Hogue said “The Atlantic Police Department will provide heightened presence at the ACSD buildings all week.” He said also, “The Atlantic Police Department worked alongside the Cass County Sheriff’s Office and Atlantic Community School District during the investigation. We have also made contact with the Iowa Governor’s School Safety Bureau with regard to the incident.”

No other details are being released at this time. If you have information regarding the incident, please call the Atlantic Police Department at 712-243-3512.

Note: A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.