Teen arrested after threats to Cedar Rapids schools

CEDAR RAPIDS — A teenager has been charged in connection with threats to Cedar Rapids schools circulating on social media that led to classes across the district being canceled Monday.

Cedar Rapids police announced Thursday night they had worked with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation to arrest a 14-year-old. Authorities said the teen is from Cedar Rapids, but did not say if the teen is a student in the Cedar Rapids Community School District nor say what charges he or she faces.

“We are deeply grateful for the diligent and unwavering efforts of the Cedar Rapids Police Department,” said a statement from Cedar Rapids schools’ Superintendent Tawana Grover. “Their invaluable assistance and resources were paramount in ensuring the safety and security of our community.”

The district had notified parents last Sunday that district schools would be closed Monday because of the threats, which they did not describe. Cedar Rapids schools reopened Tuesday, although many students — about 40 percent — stayed away.

The district also imposed temporary new rules because of the threats: Students are not allowed to bring backpacks, bags or purses unless they are clear and see-through. Lunchboxes are allowed but will be examined by staff. High school students are not allowed to be released for lunch.

The district said Thursday after the arrest that it would continue with the safety protocols for Friday, but intended to lift them next week.

Cedar Rapids police said they were made aware of threats against schools on Saturday, a day before the district announced to parents that classes would be canceled for Monday. Cedar Rapids police said other agencies involved in the investigation — which they earlier said included the FBI — were “extremely helpful” in the case, which they noted was “closed without violence.”

Police said, without elaboration, that “elements of this case remain under investigation.”