Hilo teen arrested for online threats against schools | Crime and Courts

HILO, Hawaii (Island News) – A 15-year-old Hilo boy was arrested Thursday on suspicion of making online threats of violence against schools in Hilo and Puna, Big Island police said.

Authorities were first notified of the threats on Wednesday. Investigators say there were several posts pointing to members of a notorious gang on the island who allegedly planned to visit a Hilo school on Thursday.

According to investigators, no direct threats were reported, but the posts resulted in several concerned parents calling police out of fear for their children's safety.

On Thursday, additional schools in Hilo and Puna contacted police after learning of the posts. Officers met with school administrators on Thursday and stood guard at the schools during morning drop-offs.

After some investigation, police identified a 15-year-old boy who was allegedly responsible for the online posts. The teenager was arrested shortly before 8 a.m. when he arrived at the school.

The teenager has not been identified. The investigation is being conducted by the District I Juvenile Services Division.

This case remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Corina McLellan of the Area I Child Services Division at 808-961-2276.

This is a developing story. Stay tuned to Island News for more information.