The Howell County Sheriff's Office has reported a 12-year-old West Plains Middle School student has been placed in juvenile custody after threats made on April 18 and Monday.
On April 18, the sheriff's office reported, school administration contacted law enforcement after a student allegedly told another student he had a firearm in his backpack. No firearm was found on school property or at the student's home, the sheriff's office stated.
On Monday the same student, who was not in school, reportedly sent a SnapChat message to another student, showing an image of a Glock 17 firearm and a threat. Howell County Deputy Avery Stolba, the middle school resource officer, stayed at the school and safety protocols were initiated, including the assistance of officers with the West Plains Police Department, who were dispatched to the student's home.
When law enforcement arrived, the accused student’s mother and grandmother reportedly refused to cooperate with the investigation and the child's mother was arrested on an active Texas County warrant and the grandmother was arrested for interfering with law enforcement.
A search warrant was obtained and a weapon was located at the home, authorities said. The student and his brother, age 17, were taken into custody by juvenile officers. As minors, the boys’ identities will not be disclosed to the public, the sheriff's office reminded.
The Howell County Sheriff’s Office thanked West Plains Police, the 37th Judicial Circuit Juvenile Office and middle school staff for their assistance in the matter.
