HILLIARD, Ohio — Two 15-year-old Hilliard students are now facing charges after allegedly posting threatening messages to social media.
The Hilliard City School District said officials began receiving information from concerned parents and students regarding an Instagram account with “disturbing” posts Sunday night.
The original screenshots did not reportedly reference Hilliard Davidson High School or Hilliard City Schools, but the account followed several accounts tied to the school.
Administrators immediately contacted the Hilliard Division of Police. A message was then sent to the school community to alert them of the situation and informing them there would be an increased police presence at the school.
Police said they were able to identify the person responsible for making the posts. The 15-year-old female student was taken to the Franklin County Juvenile Detention Center.
The girl has been charged with inducing panic and making terroristic threats.
The district says another screenshot, one that referenced the school, was reported minutes after the message was sent to the community.
Police said they were able to find that student, a 15-year-old male, who admitted to creating the new post and sharing it. He has been charged with inducing panic.
“I want to thank everyone who saw these posts and immediately reported them,” said Superintendent David Stewart. “During an evolving situation like this, our first priority is to work with the police to ensure the safety of our students and staff.”
Police do not believe the two students were working together and no weapons were found during a search of their homes.
“There is no such thing as a joke when it comes to school safety,” said Hilliard Chief of Police Michael Woods. “We want to remind parents to talk to their children about being responsible on social media.”
Nearly half of the parents opted to keep their children out of school as a result of the threats.
“My biggest concern was that we knew nothing about it at that point,” Danielle Rocker said.
Laura Howells said she also didn't send her child to school on Monday. She's undecided about Tuesday.
“I think honestly we are just going to see how we feel. You don't know if someone is acting alone, or if other people are also in the woodwork," she said.
Parents say they are thankful that other parents and students saw something and reported it.