BREAKING: Mason City Police Investigate Threats to High School

**The following is from the Mason City Police Department:

PRESS RELEASE 

Jeff Brinkley, Chief of Police 78 South Georgia Mason City, IA 50401

This morning the Mason City Police Department was contacted by the Mason City Community  School District over concerns of a social media post that was circulating amongst some students.  

During the investigation it was learned that a Snapchat post was made by a pre-teen Mason City  School student who school staff identified during their initial investigation. The student and  parent were cooperative and were interviewed by investigators.  

The post was a warning about threats of violent acts that were to take place on Friday. The  investigation revealed that the student did not have any direct information of any threats made  specifically towards Mason City schools. 

MCPD personnel were called to the Mason City High School at approximately 12:45 p.m. today  on two separate incidents of MCHS students who were making specific threats of violence  towards students, staff, and facilities. After investigation, two students were referred to Juvenile  Court Services for a single count of Threats of Terrorism in violation of Iowa Code section  708A.5. 

Today’s incidents remain under investigation. The Mason City Community School District is  fully working with the Mason City Police Department to investigate these incidents and to insure  that we have a safe environment for students and staff.  

MCPD would encourage parents to talk to their school-aged children about responsible use of  social media; how to report suspicious, unusual, or criminal activity when they see it; and when  it is appropriate to make notification to teachers or school administration about what is  happening in their school.  

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“AN ARREST WITHOUT DISPOSITION IS NOT AN INDICATION OF GUILT”  

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