Ponca City police arrest middle school student for reported threats

PONCA CITY, Okla. - Ponca City police have taken a 14-year-old into custody for allegedly making threats. 

According to police, they made the arrest after investigating information they received Thursday morning about threatening statements made by a West Middle School student.

The school district in a statement the school released the same day at 9:20 a.m., the administration at West Middle School reported that two students had come forward and reported a student who was threatening to harm people.

During the investigation by school administration and a school resource officer, the student reportedly admitted to wanting to harm staff members and himself. Official though determined he did not have anything in his possession that would allow him to carry out these threats.  

Investigators are working with mental health professionals to determine a course of action, according to police.

In a letter to parents, District Superintendent David Pennington told them to be careful of being "caught up in the rumor mill."

"There is difference between 'someone is threatening' and 'John Doe is threatening an act of violence at school,'" he said, telling parents if students come home expressing concerns about their safety, they should ask for specifics. If satisfied with the details, then contact authorities.

Additionally, Pennington said he and the police believe the schools are safe, but have agreed to provide extra police for the rest of the week, but not because of any threat to school safety.