Teen faces intimidation charge after threats to Cedar Rapids schools

CEDAR RAPIDS — A teenager faces a charge of intimidation with a dangerous weapon in connection with threats to Cedar Rapids schools circulating on social media that led to classes being canceled Monday and temporary restrictions on student backpacks.

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 --- whose name was not released — is from Cedar Rapids, but did not specify if they are a student in the Cedar Rapids Community School District.

Intimidation with a dangerous weapon — which police said Friday was the charge lodged — is a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

The 14-year-old will be charged in juvenile court because of the teen’s age, according to Linn County Attorney Nick Maybanks. He didn’t say if his office will ask a judge to transfer the case into adult court, but did point out that teens ages 12 to 15 usually are moved to adult court under Iowa’s youthful offender law only for offenses involving firearms and drugs, gang participation or forcible felonies such as a fatal shooting, sexual abuse, kidnapping or robbery.

Intimidation with a dangerous weapon isn’t a forcible felony, he noted.

Officials, saying that the investigation is ongoing, declined to say if any weapons or devices like a phone or computer were confiscated as part of the probe.

“We are deeply grateful for the diligent and unwavering efforts of the Cedar Rapids Police Department,” said a statement Thursday night 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 is “satisfied” with the police department’s “investigation and findings,” district spokesman Justin Schaefer said in an email Friday to The Gazette.

The district had notified parents last Sunday that its 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 that day.

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

These new rules will end Tuesday, meaning students can return to their campuses with regular backpacks, Schaefer said. There is no school Monday for planned professional development for staff.

Schaefer declined to comment on whether the district would seek to discipline the teen, saying it was a “student affairs matter.”

In a message to families Friday, Grover thanked parents for “entrusting us with the safety and security of your students,” while reminding them to speak to their children about the unacceptability of fighting, violence and other forms of misconduct that could jeopardize the safety of others.

Grover also thanked staff for their “unwavering support and cooperation” over the last week. “Despite feeling unsure and uneasy, you showed up to school each day and provided reassurance and a sense of stability to our students, fostering an environment where they feel safe and supported,” she said.

“It is imperative that we come together to end all the senseless fighting, violence and threats that have been taking place in our school and community,” Grover said.

Cedar Rapids police said they were made aware of threats against schools Sept. 30, 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.”

Trish Mehaffey and Emily Andersen of The Gazette contributed to this report.