DV student detained for threatening mass casualty assault
MILFORD — It's the stuff of nightmares that have become all too real at schools across the nation in recent years. Last week, the threat of a mass casualty assault at Delaware Valley High School was a nightmare averted, according to officials.
A 16-year-old DV student was arrested for allegedly making terroristic threats, Eastern Pike Regional Police Chief Chad Stewart told the Courier.
On Thursday, Oct. 22, the police received a report of a possible threat against the school. Eastern Pike launched an investigation with the Delaware Valley School Police that led to the student's arrest and detention that same day at a secure facility, according to District Attorney Ray Tonkin.
At a hearing on Monday, Oct. 26, the Court of Common Pleas deemed it "appropriate" to continue the student's detention, said Tonkin in a statement.
Tonkin said his office is now responsible for prosecuting the case. State law prohibits him from identifying juveniles charged with criminal offenses, he said, adding that "it is my duty to serve and protect our community requires I reach out to the community at this time."
He said he believes other students knew about the alleged plot and is asking the community, especially parents, for help.
"As we move forward with prosecution, I ask for parents of children in the Delaware Valley School District to aid the investigation in the following manner," his statement said. "Technology, social media and the internet play a large role in the way children communicate. Assistance with this investigation is important to ensure that we understand the full extent of the threat against the school. We believe that there are additional unidentified students to whom the accused may have disclosed and discussed his plans. I urge parents to talk to their child about this event and be vigilant with supervision of social media and electronic communications.
"We must leave no stone unturned when it comes to investigating this threat. If any individual is aware of any suspicious communications and behaviors involving the threat against the school, I urge the person to contact Eastern Pike Regional Police Department immediately.
"In light of this recent threat, the community must assess how it can continue to keep our children and schools safe. Ensuring that there is a plan for school officials, local law enforcement and parents to immediately and jointly react and share information involving threats of violence must become a priority.
"The strongest tool we have in stopping school violence may be information that comes from parents, teachers and community members about individuals displaying red flags. The community’s involvement in the investigation into this case will not only identify anyone with knowledge of this planned event and aid in prosecution, but also provide knowledge to allow us to avoid a tragedy in the future."
Tonkin said his office asked the Pike County Juvenile Probation Department to work with Eastern Pike Regional officers to arrest and detain the suspect.
DV Superintendent John Bell declined to comment on the matter.
“Since it is a police investigation, we don't want to say anything to jeopardize their process," he stated in an email.
The Eastern Pike police stated in a press release that there are no other threats to the school at this time.
Anya Tikka contributed to the reporting of this story.