HILO, Hawaii — Hawaii Island police said they charged a 15-year-old Hilo boy after he allegedly made online threats against Hilo and Puna schools.
On Wednesday evening, several parents contacted police, alerting them to social media posts saying a notorious gang was on the island that was allegedly planning to go to a school in Hilo on Thursday.
On Thursday morning, other schools in Hilo and Puna contacted police after learning about the posts.
Officers met with school administrators and stood by during school drop off on Thursday morning.
During the investigation into the threats, police identified a 15-year-old high school student as allegedly posting the threats. Police arrested him at 7:50 a.m. as he arrived at school.
Later that day, Hawaii Island police worked with the Hawaii County Prosecutors Office and Juvenile Probation to charge the student with disorderly conduct. He was then released to the custody of Juvenile Probabtion and is set to appear in Hilo Family Court on Friday.
Editor's note: This story has been updated with information about Hawaii Island police charging the 15-year-old student. (Sept. 12, 2024)