According to the Cranston Police Department, on Jan. 8 Cranston West School Principal John Fontaine reported a threat to CPD.

“The threat was through a social media post and was specific to Cranston West. As a precaution a coordinated response with the police and school department was prepared with an increased presence of police at the school, until detectives could identify who was responsible,” read a media statement from Major Todd Patalano.

The incident regarding the threat that was made to a Cranston West High School student was fully investigated and has been swiftly closed, stated police. The criminal investigation involved members of Cranston Police Department School Resource Officers, Detectives, Cranston School Department Executive Staff and the Cranston West High School Principal.

“As a result we have arrested an 11-year-old juvenile who is responsible and was charged accordingly,” stated police. “He is not a student of Cranston Public Schools and attends a private school. It was confirmed the juvenile has no means to carry out the threat and the threat was not credible.” 

The district also commented on the incident.

“We are incredibly grateful for the work of our Cranston Police Department for their immediate attention to this matter. We are also grateful to the community member who initially reported this incident to the Cranston West administration. With all of our community partners working together, we were able to quickly address this incident and ensure the safety and security of our staff and students at Cranston West,” said Superintendent Jeannine Nota-Masse.