Raynham Teen Arrested After FBI Flags Online Gaming School Threat

RAYNHAM (WBSM) — A Raynham juvenile was arrested this morning and faces a charge of making terroristic threats after allegedly threatening to commit a school shooting on an online gaming platform.

Raynham Police Chief David LaPlante said that early this morning, his department was notified by the Federal Bureau of Investigation of an alleged threat made through the online gaming platform.

The unnamed 17-year-old boy had allegedly made two statements in a game text chat including a threat to shoot up a school and a threat to bomb a school.

How the FBI and Gaming Platform Flagged the Threat

The gaming platform flagged those statements and reported it to the FBI, which then provided to Raynham Police the information associated with the account. Officers identified the juvenile believed to be associated with the account and went to his residence, where LaPlante said that “officers determined there was probable cause to place the juvenile under arrest.”

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Police Confirm Threats Not Credible, No Weapons Found

However, he noted the preliminary investigation “determined that the threats were not credible and that the juvenile did not have access to any weapons.” There were no weapons located in the residence, either.

The juvenile suspect will be arraigned in Taunton Juvenile Court.

"These types of threats are taken extremely seriously, regardless of where or how they are made," Chief LaPlante said. "I want to recognize our officers and detectives for their immediate response and thorough investigation, as well as the FBI for quickly providing our department with the information necessary to investigate this matter. We are grateful that no weapons were located, but any threat involving violence against a school demands an immediate law enforcement response."

School District Response and Increased Police Presence

The police also notified the Bridgewater-Raynham Regional School District of the investigation, but do not believe there is any threat to the school community. Out of an abundance of caution, there will be an increased police presence at all of the district’s schools today.

"We appreciate the Raynham Police Department's immediate response and communication with the district throughout this investigation," Raynham Superintendent of Schools Ryan T. Powers said. "The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority, and we take any threat involving a school extremely seriously. The district will address this matter in accordance with our student handbook and established policies."