BYRON CENTER, Mich. — Kent County deputies are sharing more information about an alleged threat against Byron Center Public Schools that prompted officials to cancel classes Monday.
The Kent County Sheriff's Office said the incident began as a series of rumors spread on social media following an incident at Byron Center's football game on Friday.
At that game, which was against East Kentwood High School, a Byron Center student was reported to have had a knife. A school resource officer confiscated a pocket knife from the student. Investigators say the student had no intention to hurt anyone.
In a letter to parents on Monday, Superintendent Kevin Macina wrote that that student is not being allowed at school while the investigation is underway.
Rumors then started that the student was going to "commit an act of violence" on Monday, according to deputies. A Snapchat story continued to spread this rumor and school officials were alerted Sunday afternoon.
Out of an abundance of caution, school staff canceled classes in the Byron Center Public Schools district for Monday while deputies investigated.
"Part of the investigation was reviewing comments made, who made them, and if there was any validity to any comments made," Macina explained in the letter. "Through a very detailed investigation, all comments made were part of the knife incident which is being dealt with appropriately."
Classes will resume for Byron Center students on Tuesday. There will be an increased presence from the Kent County Sheriff's Office on campus that day as a precaution.
Macina stressed that students and parents should never hesitate to report something if they are concerned.
"Although BCPS has many safety measures in place such as secure vestibules, school resource officers, locks on all classroom doors, direct radios to KCSO and other preventative measures, one of the most important safety measures we have is each other," he said. "When students feel comfortable around adults and are willing to share how they are feeling it brings a sense of community. This sense of belonging helps students feel secure about reaching out if they see or hear something that does not feel right. BCPS will always take reports that we receive seriously and follow up on any comments that are made."
In addition to this incident, officials with Kentwood Public Schools said they also received reports of a threat against East Kentwood over the weekend. The threat was determined to be not credible.