13-year-old student arrested for threats against parkland middle school
The metal handcuffs on black background. Handcuff or shackle. Police handcuffs.

13-year-old student arrested for threats against Parkland Middle School

GAITHERSBURG, MD — A 13-year-old Montgomery County student has been charged after allegedly making threats against a local middle school, prompting a temporary shelter-in-place at two campuses.

On March 17, administrators at Parkland Middle School received phone calls from an individual claiming they intended to carry out a school shooting. Montgomery County Public Schools officials immediately alerted police, and School Community Engagement Officers responded to the scene.

As a precaution, both Parkland Middle School and nearby Brookhaven Elementary School were placed on a temporary shelter-in-place. An investigation by the Montgomery County Police Department’s Behavioral Assessment Unit (BAAU) identified the caller as a 13-year-old male student from a different middle school.

The juvenile has been charged with threats of mass violence and disruption of school activities. The case will be handled by the Department of Juvenile Services. Authorities have determined there is no credible threat to the community.

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley

Chris Quigley is a Staff Writer and Community News Correspondent for Shore News Network, where she covers local government, public safety, community affairs, politics, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey. Her reporting focuses on delivering timely, accurate, and relevant news that helps readers stay informed about the communities in which they live and work.

As a member of the Shore News Network editorial team, Quigley works closely with public officials, community leaders, first responders, and local organizations to provide factual coverage of breaking news, municipal government, public policy, and events affecting New Jersey residents. Her work highlights both major developments and the local stories that shape communities across the state.

Quigley is committed to responsible journalism, emphasizing accuracy, source verification, and transparency in every story she reports. She strives to present information in a clear and accessible manner, helping readers better understand the issues, decisions, and events that impact their daily lives.

Through her work at Shore News Network, Chris Quigley contributes to the organization's mission of providing trusted local news coverage, accountability reporting, and community-focused journalism throughout New Jersey.

Chris Quigley is a graduate of Stockton State University and began her career at IN Jersey, the online news and media branch of the Asbury Park Press. She also worked at Monmouth Internet, the Ocean Signal Newspaper, and JTOWN Magazine during her career in both content management and operations.

Degrees: Business B.A. - Stockton University

Experience and interests: Criminal Justice, Business, Animal Care, Entertainment, Lottery News, Local News