The Benton Police Department (BNPD) was alerted to a possible danger to Benton Junior High School on social media on Monday. A threat was on the Snapchat app. It was directed at “BJHS” and it specified Thursday, April 11th, 2024.
Federal and local law enforcement engaged with the individual who shared the post, as well as the individual believed to be the original poster. After a search warrant was obtained, officials confirmed the original poster’s identity and their IP address. The individual was arrested and remains in custody. Due to it being a juvenile suspect, the name was not released.
The Department said in a statement, “Despite the threat being determined not credible, all threats are taken seriously by BNPD and Benton Public Schools, and will always be dealt with accordingly. We want to reassure parents and students that it has been and remains safe to attend school. We also urge parents to take this opportunity to discuss with their children the importance of reporting.”