The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office has arrested one teen from Yelm High School and another from Rainier High School following a tip that they had made a bomb threat on social media, according to a press release.
Both teens told investigators they were only joking.
A parent called the sheriff’s office at about 11 p.m. Wednesday to report the activity, which occurred on Instagram.
“A meme was posted that had a list of school incidents and the caption ‘notices weird kid taking out AR-A5,’” according to the press release. “Another comment was posted between another individual and the original poster talking about different weapons to include using grenades and bombs.”
The sheriff’s office contacted the 15-year-old Rainier High School student, a male, about the post. He admitted to posting it and said it was a joke. The second subject is a 16-year-old male from Yelm High School. He also admitted to making the posts and said it was a joke.
Both teens were arrested and booked into Thurston County Youth Services Center for threats to bomb or injure property, according to the sheriff’s office.
No weapons or explosives were found to be in possession of either suspect. The sheriff’s office has nonetheless increased its presence at Rainier High School today.
“This is a great example of another student saying something to a parent when she observed concerning comments on social media,” according to the sheriff’s office. “TCSO would like to commend the 18 year old female student from the Rainier area who spoke up when she observed the concerning post and comments. TCSO will investigate and take enforcement action on these types of threats and postings on social media. See something, say something.”
