Teen Arrested for Instagram Threat Against Newport High School

The 16-year old student was arrested for Disorderly Conduct I.

(NEWPORT, Ore.) - A threat was made via social media aimed at Newport High School on Sept 26, 2017. Students reported to school staff that they saw a threat on Instagram that targeted Newport High School.

The threat on Instagram read, "The end of NHS is near. RIP NHS 10/24/17." The threatening post was active for a short time, and then removed from Instagram by the author.

Newport High enacted the LCSD student threat assessment protocol. Newport High Staff and the Newport Police School Resource Officer interviewed several students in an attempt to identify the person responsible for the Instagram post.

Newport High School released information on September 27, 2017 to notify parents of the threat, and develop additional information.

The Newport SRO worked with Newport Detectives and used all available resources to identify the source of the Instagram threat. Investigators were able to identify the Internet Protocol (IP) address associated with the Instagram post.

On October 5, 2017, Investigators identified a physical address associated with the IP address. Investigators interviewed a person of interest, and identified the source of the threat.

As a result, a 16-year-old Newport High School student was arrested on charges related to the threat. The student was arrested for Disorderly Conduct I.

Newport High School is reviewing the incident for administrative sanctions for the student's actions.

The Newport Police Department and Newport High School are confident this was an isolated incident, and no other persons were involved. Based upon the investigation of the original threat, investigators believe there is no further threat to Newport High School.

The Newport Police Department and Newport High School are appreciative of the students that came forward with information.

Source: Newport Police Department/Lincoln County School District Joint Media Release