Utica police investigate school threats, charge two students

UTICA, N.Y. — The Utica Police Department and Utica City School District are addressing two separate threats involving students that occurred in recent days. In both cases, investigations revealed no immediate danger to the schools, according to a joint press release issued by the police department.

The first incident occurred on Friday, September 13, 2024, when a school staff member received an emailed threat of a school shooting. Utica Police were alerted and launched an investigation that led to the identification of a 12-year-old student as the source. The student allegedly sent the email following a personal issue earlier in the week. Police confirmed that no weapons were found at the student’s residence, and the family stated that the juvenile did not have access to firearms.

The second incident took place on Monday, September 16, when the FBI notified Utica police about a threat made on Snapchat. The post targeted Proctor High School, JFK Middle School, and Donovan Middle School. Through cooperation with the FBI, authorities traced the threat to a 15-year-old student. Investigators determined that the student did not intend to carry out the threat, and no weapons were found at the residence.

Both students have been charged with Making a Terroristic Threat, a class D felony. Their cases will be handled in Oneida County Family Court.

“There is no active threat to our schools at this time,” officials stated, adding that Utica schools remain open with added support measures in place.

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