Authorities spent late Sunday night sorting out an alarming tip about a possible school-shooting threat involving a teenager. By the time officers were finished, they had searched phones, interviewed family members, and secured a rifle.
According to the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were requested to assist West Virginia State Police and the Wayne County Sheriff’s Department after a report surfaced claiming a 14-year-old student had made statements about committing a shooting at Spring Valley High School.
Deputies met with West Virginia authorities and traveled with them to conduct a “knock and talk” at the teen’s home.
Phones Searched, No Threats Found
Officers made contact with the student and his father. The teen agreed to allow troopers to check his cell phone and social-media messages. Troopers reviewed his accounts and found nothing that indicated a threat, plan, or concerning communication.
Deputies also spoke with the teen’s older brother, who likewise allowed officers to go through his phone. Again, no threatening messages or warning signs were found.
Rifle Retrieved From Truck
During the conversation, officers asked about a detail mentioned in the original report — a rifle supposedly kept behind the seat of a pickup truck.
The teen acknowledged the firearm was in the truck, and deputies accompanied the father as he retrieved it. The weapon was described as a .22 caliber Savage long rifle, unloaded but stored with ammunition in the vehicle.
Officers advised the family that no firearms are permitted on school grounds under any circumstances and that school-safety protocols are extremely strict. The father agreed to secure the weapon, and officers confirmed it would remain in his possession.
Further Review Planned
As part of the investigation, West Virginia authorities collected the student’s cell phone for a full forensic download to ensure no deleted or hidden messages were missed.
Deputies noted the teen mentioned a past disagreement with another boy, but reported it happened months ago.
A Reminder About School-Threat Protocols
Law enforcement stresses that every school-related threat — credible or not — is taken seriously. Even statements made jokingly or in frustration can trigger criminal investigations, school discipline, and removal of firearms from a residence.
Parents are urged to:
- Regularly monitor their children’s online activity.
- Secure all firearms in locked, inaccessible storage.
- Encourage children to report concerning statements made by peers.
- Contact law enforcement immediately if they receive information about a potential school threat.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing pending a review of the phone data, but no immediate danger to the school was identified during the joint response.
