MPD Release Statement Regarding Lincoln High Threats

The Manitowoc Police Department has issued a public response to the threats made to Manitowoc Lincoln High School over the weekend. The statement, written by Captain of Detectives David C. Vorpahl, reads as follows.

“After an investigation this weekend, we have found no credible threat of school violence.  We were able to identify a person who admitted to writing a threatening message.  The person had no intention to carry out the threat and did not mean for anyone to see the message. This message was written in the sand near Red Arrow Park. The person that wrote the message believed it would be washed away by the lake.  A citizen saw the message and took a picture of it before it washed away and shared it on social media.  A detective investigated the threat this weekend and obtained a full statement and consent searches from the author of the message.  Charges are being referred to the District Attorney’s Office against a 17 year old female identified as writing the message.  We have worked with the Manitowoc Public School District during this investigation and are more than satisfied that this was not a credible threat.

In other developments, a Person-To-Person Threat was made via social media this weekend unrelated to the previous incident and unrelated to the school district.  This threat was also shared via social media and caused concerns by several parents and students as the children communicating via social media attend the Manitowoc Public School District.  This threat, which was highly inappropriate in nature, did not include threats involving school violence.  An investigation was conducted by Patrol Officers, Detectives, and the School Resource Officer (SRO).  Due to this investigation, charges are being forwarded to the Manitowoc County Department of Human Services (DHS) on a 16 year old male.  The Manitowoc Public School District was also made aware of this investigation so that they can monitor future contact between the subjects involved.

The Manitowoc Police Department would like to thank all citizens for their assistance and patience during these investigations.  We also believe that these events are a good time to remind parents and children to discuss potential consequences for their children’s actions (including social media usage) whether intentional or not.”