Minor arrested following email threat at L'Anse Creuse high school

A suspect has been identified and arrested in connection with a threatening email that sent students home early Monday at L’Anse Creuse High School in Harrison Township, authorities said.

“We have a juvenile suspect in custody,” a Macomb County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson said in an email.

No information about the minor has yet been released, including whether he was a student at the L’Anse Creuse Road school, in the area of Metropolitan Parkway (16 Mile Road) and Crocker Boulevard.

The arrest came hours after threats were made against school officials, who are working with the sheriff’s office. Officers were on school grounds throughout the day Monday as the ongoing investigation continued.

Additionally, Central Middle School, Graham Elementary School and the Early Learning Childhood Center have all been placed in external lockdown mode, school leaders said in a message to parents and guardians.

“This morning, the L’Anse Creuse High School administration received a concerning email from an unknown source that was threatening in nature,” a district official told the Macomb Daily. “The email was regarding an unknown individual visiting L’Anse Creuse High School who was not a member of the school.”

High School Principal Alysia Samborsky said that “due to a lack of information and an abundance of caution, the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office has suggested that the school close early to ensure the safety of the school.”

The threat did not name the nearby high school, Graham Elementary School or the early childhood center, so administrators decided to quarantine the schools, officials said.

According to the message, officials said the safety of students and staff is a top priority at L’Anse Creuse and the school community treats every incident seriously.

Monday’s scene involving an early release in Harrison Township follows a similarly chaotic scene in west Warren, where Warren Mott High School was also closed Monday due to an online threat.

Warren Consolidated Schools officials said they had no reason to believe the email was credible but canceled all classes, programs, games and practices affiliated with the high school.

“I hope everyone has time to process recent events, seek help if you need it, and refocus on all that makes Warren Mott a great school,” Superintendent John Bernia said in a social media post.

On Saturday night, the prom was evacuated after students mistakenly believed the sound of balloons popping during the festivities was gunfire and began calling 911 and their parents for help.

According to Warren Consolidated Schools officials, some members of the Warren Mott High School community have started a “change.org petition” calling for school to be canceled Monday in light of the homecoming incident. They said they have been in contact with OK2SAY, as well as the Warren Police Department, which has launched an investigation into the alleged threat.

Authorities have not released the contents of the threatening message.

“To the students of Warren Mott – as your superintendent, your physical safety is a top priority for me,” Bernia wrote in her online message.

“Your mental health is just as important. Take time on Monday to rest, reflect, talk to your loved ones about how you’re feeling, and be a friend to your peers. When you return to school on Tuesday, we will have adults you can talk to and resources to help you.”

Bernia said parents are advised to contact high school staff if they have further questions.

Macomb Daily staff writer Gina Joseph contributed to this report

Originally published: September 23, 2024 at 1:03 p.m.