BY ROSE CISNEROS

rose.lexchron@gmail.com

Lexington Police arrested a 14-year-old juvenile male from West Columbia Wednesday. He is charged with unlawful communication and disturbing schools for threats made through social media. Last Monday about 8 p.m. officers received a report of threats made through the app Snapchat. The suspect threatened to shoot up Lexington Middle School. Other posts on Snapchat included an image of someone holding a rifle and a video of someone shooting a rifle at a range. The suspect also made reference to the Columbine High School shooting and Dylan Roof in his posts. Investigations by Lexington detectives and the School Resource Officer led them to the subject’s West Columbia home. Detectives found images and video with specific Snapchat account information, which matched the posts on social media. “The Lexington Police Department is committed to providing safe campuses for students, faculty, and staff to learn and work,” said Lexington Police Chief Terrence Green. “Threats through social media will always be taken seriously and fully investigated by our officers.” The Monday threat resulted in more than 40% of students marked as absent in one or more classes. The district estimated 253 students left school.