WALNUT RIDGE, Ark. – A viral social media post indicating an alleged threat against Walnut Ridge Middle School has the community concerned in Lawrence County.
A press release from the Walnut Ridge Police Department says heavy police presences will be at schools in the area this week as investigations into the threat continue.
On Friday, police said they were notified of a threat of violence toward the Walnut Ridge Middle School which was reported to be circulating on social media. Officers with the Walnut Ridge Police Department, assisted by the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office, immediately began investigating the threat, the release said. After interviewing different individuals, it was discovered that the threat was made through an anonymous messaging application. The Arkansas State Police were contacted, and have aided in interviewing individuals throughout the weekend, as well as utilizing existing contacts with agents on the federal level for additional expertise.
This school week will see a heavy officer presence on the Walnut Ridge school campus, with additional security measures put in place. All available officers of the WRPD will be posted on campus along with deputies from the Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office. In addition, the Arkansas State Police have pulled officers in from surrounding areas to post at the school.
As of the time of this release, no arrests have been made, but persons of interest are being investigated. The credibility of this threat has not been determined, but has, and will continue to be treated with the utmost seriousness. This investigation will remain ongoing until the person or persons responsible have been brought to justice.
If you have any information in this case, please call the Walnut Ridge Police Department at 870-886-3568.
The release was sent by Captain Jordan Cooksey of WRPD.
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