Hawaii island police are investigating an alleged threat made by a 9-year-old student at Kealakehe Elementary School.
Police said the investigation began after the child reportedly told another student not to come to school the following day because he had a gun. The case is being investigated as second-degree terroristic threatening.
Kona patrol officers contacted the child Thursday evening and detectives with the Area II Juvenile Aid Section are continuing the investigation.
Police said they are working closely with school administrators and the child’s family to ensure the safety of students and staff. Investigators do not believe the child has access to a firearm.
Because of the ages of the children involved, police said their identities will not be released; however, authorities emphasized that threats of violence at schools are taken seriously regardless of a person’s age.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Officer Christopher Ross at (808) 326-4646, ext. 302, or the department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.
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Anonymous tips may be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (808) 961-8300. Tipsters may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers does not record calls or use caller ID, and all information is kept confidential.
