Police: Juvenile may face charges after Taft Middle School threat

CEDAR RAPIDS — A juvenile who made an online threat Monday against Taft Middle School could face charges, according to the Cedar Rapids Police Department.

An email sent to parents by Taft Principal Gary Hatfield said that Taft administration was alerted at 4:22 p.m. Monday to a threat made on social media involving a potential school shooting.

“We are incredibly proud of our students’ commitment to safety and their quick actions. One of our Taft students promptly reported the information, allowing us to respond swiftly and effectively,” Hatfield said in the email.

The school enacted safety protocols to protect those on campus at the time and Cedar Rapids police were called to investigate. A juvenile was interviewed by police and admitted to making the threat, according to a police department news release.

Police have not released the identity of the juvenile, the nature of the threat or information about whether the juvenile is a student at Taft. The news release states that the juvenile has not yet been charged in relation to the threat, but may face charges following further investigation.

“We encourage you to take this opportunity to speak with your child(ren) about the serious implications of making or sharing threats, even in a joking manner. These actions carry significant legal consequences and impact the well-being of our entire community,“ Hatfield told parents in his email.

The school in northwest Cedar Rapids held classes as normal Tuesday.

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