Stettler youth released without charges after school threat investigation

By Your Southwest Media Group

STETTLER, Alta. — A youth initially arrested after threats were reported against a local school has been released without charges following further investigation by RCMP.

Stettler RCMP said officers received a report at about 10:15 p.m. on April 15 that a youth had sent messages on Snapchat threatening to shoot students at William E. Hay School. Police launched an investigation and arrested a youth suspect, who was held in custody with a charge of uttering threats pending.

In an update, RCMP said investigators have been unable to verify the credibility of the original source of the alleged threat. As a result, the youth has been released without charges.

Police said the initial complaints appear to have been made in good faith, but the origin of the threat itself may not have been legitimate.

RCMP said the investigation is ongoing and that student safety remains the top priority. Officers will continue working with the school, and a police presence may remain in place as a precaution.