Copycat threats disrupt several districts after South Haven submarine incident

WEST MICHIGAN — Allegan, South Haven, Jenison and Grandville are among several districts receiving copycat threats after an incident with a substitute in South Haven Tuesday.

Three Rivers Community Schools closed Thursday and Friday

Jenison canceled a class Friday after messages were posted on Snapchat. Although it appeared to be superimposed, the word “Jenison” was added to the messages, raising concerns. The closure, however, is a precautionary measure, officials said.

“Threats of this nature are always completely unacceptable,” the district wrote. “Jenison Public Schools will continue to cooperate with law enforcement and prosecute those involved to the fullest extent of the law.”

South Haven and Allegan chose to remain open after both districts began receiving reports about Tuesday’s incident, alleging threats had been made against both districts because of the incident. Investigators dispelled those rumors that were circulating on social media, Allegan Superintendent James Antoine said.

“…we have determined that the source of this rumor is due to misinformation related to a situation that occurred in an adjacent district with a substitute teacher who has ties to Allegan County,” Antoine wrote to parents. “While we understand that these very concerning rumors have far-reaching reach and have spread quickly this evening, School will be in session on Friday, September 13th “We have determined that there is no proven threat to the safety of the school.”

“We understand that misinformation, particularly regarding school safety, spreads quickly and creates fear among students, staff and families,” South Haven school officials wrote in an email to parents and guardians. “We have confidence in the investigation by law enforcement.”

Grandville Superintendent Roger Bearup alerted parents that the rumors prompting Jenison’s closure had been reported by Grandville students, prompting OK2Say to alert the district.

“After an investigation by the Grandville Police Department in conjunction with Grandville administration, it was determined that this post was not originally posted by a Grandville student, but was instead reposted by others and was not directed at Grandville Public Schools,” Bearup wrote.

It’s a trend often seen after school shootings, this time sparked by the Apalachee High School tragedy in Georgia and fueled by a situation involving a South Haven substitute teacher who was fired and then arrested for threatening comments toward students and erratic actions that led to property damage in Allegan County.

This also happened in the wake of the Oxford High School shooting.

False statements are traced back to their source and the party involved may face criminal charges.

“We’re talking about activities or consequences that can range from one-year misdemeanors to 20-year felonies,” Muskegon County District Attorney DJ Hilson said in 2021, when FOX 17 first looked into the disturbing trend. “My office, along with my colleagues across the state, are going to take these situations very, very seriously.”

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