Mars Area High School student accused of making 2 threats

The Mars Area School District and Adams Township police have identified a student responsible for threats at the high school, according to the school district.

Although the Monday afternoon threat was deemed “non-credible,” the district cancelled evening activities at the high school as a precaution, according to a letter from Superintendent Wesley Shipley.

According to Shipley, a Mars Area High School student allegedly distributed a potentially threatening mass e-mail message to all high school students. The same student is also allegedly responsible for a second threatening message written on a wall in a boys bathroom at the high school.

The student, who was not named, “has been turned over to local police to face criminal charges,” Shipley said in the letter.

Adams Township police could not be reached Tuesday for more information.

Shipley said the district wants to dissuade any students from making similar threats, and encouraged parents to talk with their children about the serious consequences that can come from making such threats, which includes disciplinary action by the district and facing criminal charges and prosecution and paying restitution.

“Mars Area School District will not tolerate any threats to the safety and security of our students, faculty and staff members, our schools, or to the district,” Shipley wrote. “Such threats not only cause an unnecessary disruption to the school day, but also come with serious consequences that may include expulsion, hefty fines, and even jail time.”

Staff writer Tom Davidson contributed to this report. Brian C. Rittmeyer is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Brian at 724-226-4701, brittmeyer@tribweb.com or via Twitter @BCRittmeyer.