At about 8:50 p.m. Monday, officers from the Great Bend Police Department were notified of possible threats made through social media towards the Great Bend Middle School, 1919 Harrison St., according to a GBPD news release issued Tuesday morning.

Officers immediately notified Unified School District 428 personnel, and began to investigate the source of the threats, the release states. Through the course of the investigation, it was determined a juvenile had made a threat through Snapchat. 

The juvenile was interviewed, and was subsequently suspended through USD 428. The case has been submitted to the Barton County Attorney’s office for formal filing of criminal charges. 

“We want to thank the GBPD for quickly reacting to the situation and taking the necessary steps to protect our community,” USD 428 Superintendent Khris Thexton said on the district’s Facebook page. “Please know we take threats to our schools seriously. In the shadow of the terrible event in Florida, we ask that if you or your student sees or hears anything, please notify authorities immediately.”

Any one with information regarding this case or any criminal matter is encouraged to contact the GBPD at 620-793-4120 or Crimestoppers at 620-792-1300.