UPDATE: Middle school student found with knife had made online threats the night before

MISHAWAKA, Ind. -- On Tuesday, John Young Middle School Principal Rebecca Cummings communicated to parents that a knife was found on a student earlier in the morning. 

The student was identified, and the Mishawaka Police Department was contacted.

"This morning, shortly after 9:30 a.m., Mishawaka Police Department officers were called to John Young Middle School. This was regarding a threat made by a 13-year-old female student, Sgt. Steve Headley said.

"She had made an online threat to hurt people at the school. When she arrived at school, she was taken to the principal's office. Once there, she pulled out a knife. She was able to be taken into custody without incident. Fortunately, no persons at the school were injured. She is currently detained at the Juvenile Justice Center."

Full statement from John Young Middle School:

Good afternoon John Young Middle School Families,

This morning, JYMS administrators were notified by the corporation's safety monitoring software of a student who reported having a knife in their possession. The student was quickly identified and removed from class in coordination with the Mishawaka Police Department. We want to emphasize that our students and staff were safe throughout this process.

Please discuss this incident with your children and emphasize that it is against the law to bring weapons of any type to school. Weapons of any form will be subject to school board policy and school-imposed disciplinary measures. Also, please emphasize the importance of informing a trusted adult if there is a weapon at school.

We take any and all notifications like this seriously. Tips can and should be reported immediately by directly speaking with administrators, counselors or social workers, calling 800-418- 6423 ext. 359, or texting the word TIPS to the number 66746, or using the website of www.safeschoolhelpline.com. Providing timely information and concerns aids us in keeping our schools safe.

Please direct any further questions or concerns to myself, our counselors or social worker. As always, we appreciate your support.

Sincerely,
Rebecca Cummings
Principal
John Young Middle School

We will update this article with more information as it becomes available. 

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