Authorities have identified the person responsible for making a threat toward the Carmi School District. Early on May 13th, at approximately 2:56 a.m., Carmi Police were alerted by Carmi-White County High School administrators to an online report submitted via Safe2Help Illinois concerning a potential threat to a school in the Carmi area. While the report did not specify a particular school, it referenced a general threat toward a “school at Carmi.”
In response, Carmi Police and school administrators held extensive discussions during the early morning hours and made the decision to cancel school for the day out of an abundance of caution. Law enforcement immediately began a thorough investigation to ensure the safety of students and staff.
Police obtained multiple search warrants from service providers, citing exigent circumstances to expedite the process. This led authorities to identify the individual who submitted the report. Investigators determined that the report was made by a 16-year-old male who, while intoxicated, submitted the tip as a joke. There was no actual threat to any school, and the individual admitted to having no knowledge of any credible danger.
Officers confirmed that the juvenile did not have access to any weapons, and his parents were fully cooperative throughout the investigation. A complete case file will be forwarded to the White County State’s Attorney for review.
Carmi-White County School District officials have been notified of the investigation’s findings and were assured that no credible threat exists at this time. Authorities continue to urge students, parents, and community members to report any concerns or suspicious activity to law enforcement or school staff immediately.
Despite the earlier disruption, Carmi-White County High School’s graduation ceremony proceeded as scheduled, with a significant law enforcement presence and heightened security measures in place to ensure the safety of all attendees.
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