A Cranston student has been charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly making an online threat.

According to Cranston Police, the student didn’t have the means of carrying out the threat, but following a joint investigation between school administrators, federal and local law enforcement, the suspect was identified and charged within four hours of the threat’s posting online.

“Yes we did have an arrest as a result of a student using a social media platform (Snapchat) to post a threatening message specifically regarding Cranston (High School) East last evening,” explained Cranston Police Maj. Todd Patalano. “The Cranston Police SRO Unit along with the FBI and Principal Barbieri worked quickly to identify the suspect and take all safety precautions as a result.”

After the threat was discovered, law enforcement went to the student’s home.

“Cranston Police SRO Unit who are assigned to the Cranston East High School then responded to the home of the suspect and it was confirmed the student was responsible,” according to Patalano. “The juvenile is charged with Disorderly Conduct as a result and will appear in Family Court on the matter.”

According to police, the situation has been fully resolved.

“There is no further threat and this is an exemplary job to identify the threat and within 4 hours have the suspect responsible,” Patalano wrote via email. “This should be a strong message to anyone who thinks they can hide behind the Internet or any social platform and make a threat to any institution public or private, because we will identify you and hold you responsible.”

The Cranston School Department issued a statement following this week’s arrest.

“Cranston Public Schools fully supports and is grateful to the Cranston Police Department for the swift action taken to determine the responsible party and to assess the credibility of the recent social media threat at Cranston High School East. It is important that our families and students realize that posting threats on social media is not a joke. We cooperate with both federal and local investigations, and these actions are taken very seriously. Perpetrators are consequenced according to our school committee policies.”

Police issued some guidance for parents and students.

“We have the tools necessary to act expeditiously and effectively to bring these cases to a quick conclusion and ensure the safety of everyone,” Patalano warned. “The Cranston Police are consistently in contact and partnered with the school administration every step of the way in these incidents and parents should feel comfortable knowing that this process in place.”

Patalano said, “The suspect did not have the means to carry out the threat and we do not deem the threat credible based on our investigation.” He also had a message for anyone who may be considering posting an online threat: “Anyone else who thinks they can act in this manner should know they will be apprehended.”

Cranston Police were asked to provide the text of the threat that was issued online. Maj. Patalano refused but provided the following additional comments: “The threat was not deemed credible and we do not believe the juvenile had the means to carry it out. The problem with this is anyone can write and send anything and it is left up to the reader to interpret or figure it out, which is where the unknown or panic comes into play and the parents then become seriously concerned which they should be. I am a parent as well with a child in the school system so I see it from all sides. But I can tell you that we have a plan in place with the school department when these incidents occur to utilize the full resources available and find the person responsible. Parents need to be as vigilant as possible and monitor kids social media platforms.”