Second teenager charged in school shooting – Newton Daily News

Two days after a teenager was arrested and charged with making threats against the Newton School District, and one day after a student threatened a teacher, police have arrested another teenager who is also accused of threatening to carry out a school shooting and injuring a student in his home.

According to a press release from the Newton Police Department, officers were notified at 4:43 p.m. on September 20 that a young man threatened a school shooting and shot another student in his apartment. After several interviews, the teenager was located and taken into custody without any problems.

The student's identity has not been released. He has since been taken to the Central Iowa Juvenile Detention Center in Eldora, the same facility where the teenager who allegedly threatened to shoot at school last week was taken. Like that teen, he has also been charged.

Police have charged this juvenile with making terroristic threats (a Class D felony) and first-degree harassment (a misdemeanor).

Superintendent Tom Messinger addressed this latest threat in a message to Cardinal families on ParentSquare, saying two possible reports of threats to schools have been received by Safe+Sound Iowa, an app that allows users to anonymously submit tips about possible threats to schools.

“One was a conversation about a threat from earlier in the week,” he said. “The other was a threat that was identified and led to charges being brought.”

As with the previous alleged threat, Messinger wanted to thank the individuals who reported the situation. This level of support and cooperation, he said, is necessary to maintain the highest level of safety for the community. Messinger also thanked the Newton Police Department for their quick and thorough response.

“We are fortunate to have a community and community service organizations that are so committed to our school district,” Messinger said.