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Caution after ‘SHS’ threat discovered

STEUBENVILLE — City Police had a presence at Steubenville High School this morning after an unsubstantiated threat was posted on social media.

Police received several calls from people on Wednesday evening about a threat on Facebook mentioning “SHS.” The person who made the post claimed he was bringing a gun to “SHS” and there would be shots fired.

The Jefferson County Prosecutor’s Office was notified about the threat, which didn’t specifically state Steubenville High School, City Police reported.

Prosecutor Jane Hanlin said the threat was spreading “like wildfire” to any community across the country that has a high school with the first letter of “S.”

Hanlin said she was notified Wednesday evening about the social media post, and, after some checking, determined a fake account had been created on Facebook. She said students would see the post, take a screenshot and then put it up on Snapchat with their own comments. It then quickly spread around the Internet, Hanlin said.

Hanlin said she notified Melinda Young, city schools superintendent, about the unsubstantiated threat. Hanlin said the school district sent out notices to parents and staff.

Officials with the Springfield City School District in Southwestern Ohio had placed a message on its homepage alerting parents, students and staff about the alleged threat. It stated, “The Springfield City School District received information about a potential threat to Springfield High School through social media. The Springfield Division of Police was immediately notified and the district is working in conjunction with them to investigate the matter. At this time, the SPD has no valid information that the threat is credible.”

Hanlin said the police presence at Steubenville High School today was a precaution, and added there doesn’t appear to be any credibility behind the social media post.

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