15-year-old charged after social media post about violence at Medina school district

MEDINA — The Medina Police Department has charged a 15-year-old after a social media post on Dec. 3 referenced violence at the Medina and Lockport school districts.

The post was widely circulated in the Medina community.

“This action caused several individuals to fear for the safety of their loved ones,” stated Medina Police Chief Chad Kenward and District Superintendent Mark Kruzynski in a news release.

Added security measures were put in place at the school district and law enforcement investigated the social media post.

Throughout the course of the investigation, Medina police and school officials worked with the Lockport Police Department, Lockport school district, Orleans County Major Felony Crimes Task Force, Orleans County District Attorney’s Office, Orleans County Probation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The investigation revealed there was no specific or credible threat to the Medina school district, Kenward and Kruzynski said.

Law enforcement identified the source of the threat and person was charged with aggravated harassment in the second degree. The name is being withheld due to the person’s age, Kenward and Kruzynski said.

The school cannot comment on any possible disciplinary action but will follow the school district’s code of conduct.

“It is important to note that the creator of the post did not threaten violence to the school, nor was there any reason to believe he may commit any acts of violence,” Kenward said.

Kenward and Kruzynski said the school district and police department take very seriously any mention of violence or threats made against the school district. They encourage the public to report any threats of violence to law enforcement and school administration.

“I would like to personally thank school resource officer Dustin Meredith, the Medina Police Department and all the law enforcement agencies involved for their thorough and detailed investigation,” Kruzynski said.