A 15-year-old student has been charged in connection with a series of bomb threats made against Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in Maryland this past May, authorities announced. The threats, which led to a school lockdown and a large-scale police response, have also implicated a 12-year-old boy from Pennsylvania.
The threat: Coordinated effort across state lines
According to the Montgomery County Police Department, the 15-year-old allegedly collaborated with the younger boy, whom he met on social media, to call in the bomb threats. The older teen reportedly paid the 12-year-old an undisclosed sum to make the threats against the school. Authorities have publicly identified neither of the minors. In a statement, police revealed that the 15-year-old “communicated in real-time with the 12-year-old, providing information, updates, and instructions as the threats were being made.” The caller demanded a specific sum of money in exchange for preventing the detonation of bombs at the school.
Response: School lockdown and extensive search
The threats triggered an immediate response from law enforcement, including a SWAT team and K-9 units, who conducted a thorough search of the campus. Fortunately, no explosives were found, and students were dismissed for the remainder of the day. However, the disruption didn’t end there. The following day, the pair allegedly made additional threats against Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda Elementary School, further escalating the situation.
Charges: Felony charges for 15-year-old, legal loophole for 12-year-old
The 15-year-old has been charged with multiple felonies, including threats of mass violence, making a false statement, and extortion. After being charged, he was released to his family, pending further legal proceedings. Under Maryland state law, the 12-year-old cannot be charged with a crime, despite his involvement. Nevertheless, police underscored the significant impact of their actions: “The actions of both individuals caused disruption to the school day, forcing a lockdown, and taking an emotional toll on the students, staff, and the community.” The case remains under investigation as the community grapples with the aftermath of the threats. The incident highlights the serious consequences of such actions, particularly in a time when schools are increasingly vigilant against potential threats to student safety.
