Student accused of making threat at St. Joseph High School in police custody, district says

ST. JOSEPH, Mich. – The 16-year-old student allegedly responsible for making a threat to St. Joseph High School is now in custody and is facing a charge of making a felony terrorist threat, St. Joseph Public Schools superintendent Jenny Fee announced in a letter to families Wednesday.

The charge carries up to 20 years in prison, Fee said.

“We have learned through our investigation that the individual facing charges has recently experienced significant challenges in his life and will be getting the support he needs. He made the threat as a call for help and never planned for any violence yesterday, or any day. He confirmed with law enforcement that he had no intention of ever carrying out the threat, nor did he have the means through which to do so. The City of St. Joseph Police have completed a thorough search of his belongings, home, and vehicles confirming there was no possession of or access to weapons,” Fee wrote in the letter sent to families.

The threat that was made has been resolved and there is no longer a risk related to the threat, Fee said.

Classes will resume on Thursday.

After-school and evening activities scheduled for Wednesday will resume.