Online threats prompt increased police at Grosse Pointe high schools

GROSSE POINTE, Mich. (WJBK) - Grosse Pointe's two high schools saw more police than usual around campus after an online threat was made.

Administrators spent this past weekend working with local police after threatening communication surfaced online, one of which involved two students from Grosse Pointe South High School.

"It's a full time job keeping our kids safe and secure in our schools right now," superintendent Dr. Gary Niehaus said.

He said a couple dating were at odds and the male student sent a threatening message.

"The boy texted back an image of him and a gun...a weapon," Niehaus said. 

Dr. Niehaus says police immediately went to the student's home to investigate and went back Monday and no weapons were found in the house. For now, the student is being kept away from campus.

"So is it possible he could face charges? I think there's probably a very good chance of that," Niehaus said.

Administrators say after working with police it was determined that school would be in session, with extra police at the school throughout the day.

Additionally, Niehaus said a second incident involving students from Grosse Pointe South and North High Schools sprang up this weekend. The students were bantering in a group chat about gaming when a threat was made.

"Out of the blue someone came on holding a weapon and made a threat," Niehaus said.

A student told a parent and administrators. Police were then contacted and investigated the claims.

"The individual who got into the group is not from here and does not attend our school district and is from out of state," Niehaus said.

Police believe the person responsible for that threat is from Florida.

Administrators say they want the school and community to know the key to reducing school threats is speaking up.

"What we're fighting now is that our students are starting to report it more than they've ever reported before which is a blessing to all of us," Niehaus said.