Cranston student charges after threatening school message

The Cranston police worked with the FBI and school principal to identify the suspect

CRANSTON – The Cranston police on Tuesday arrested a student who they said posted a threatening message on Snapchat regarding Cranston High School East, the police said.

The unidentified juvenile is charged with disorderly conduct and will appear in Family Court, according to Maj. Todd Patalano.

The Police Department’s School Resource Officers Unit worked with the FBI and Principal Thomas Barbieri to identify the suspect “and take all safety precautions as a result,” Patalano said via email. Members of the went to the student’s home and confirmed the student was responsible, Patalano said.

The police identified the threat and arrested the suspect within four hours, according to Patalano.

Patalano said the suspect did not have the means to carry out the threat, and the police don’t believe it was a credible threat.

“This should be a strong message to anyone who thinks they can hide behind the internet or any social platform and make a threat to any institution public or private, because we will identify you and hold you responsible,” the Police Department said via email. “We have the tools necessary to act expeditiously and effectively to bring these cases to a quick conclusion and ensure the safety of everyone.”

“The Cranston Police are consistently in contact and partnered with the school administration every step of the way in these incidents and parents should feel comfortable knowing that this process in place,” the police said.