[A] 15-year-old Shelburne student had his electronic devices seized during a search of his home on Thursday, the result of a police investigation in two alleged school shooting threats, at least one delivered via image messaging app Snapchat.
Shelburne and Hinesburg officers executed the warrant Thursday after working with Vermont State Police to follow up alleged threats of a school shooting at Champlain Valley Union High School.
Following the search, police said they did not find anything that suggested the student had the intent or means to carry out a shooting. Electronic devices were seized and will be studied for any related communications, they said.
“Based on the search conducted, there was nothing found to indicate any immediate means to carry out any threat at CVU,” said Hinesburg Police Chief Frank Koss.
A report on the investigation will be sent to CVU administrators as well as the Chittenden County State’s Attorney’s office, Koss said. He said it would not be sent to the media because the suspect is a minor.
CVU Principal Adam Bunting couldn’t be reached for comment. The school is on mid-winter break this week.
School administrators were first informed of a threat on Feb. 15, when a female student informed reported a threatening message sent on Snapchat that suggested a possible shooting at CVU. The student who sent the message was contacted by police and suspended by the school, Koss said.
The next week, after the male student returned to campus, a different student told the administration about a threat he had made. On that occasion, police searched the student’s school locker and backpack but found nothing.
“He remained under supervision for the remainder of the day, and due to the school spring vacation the next week, police had time to work the investigation,” said Koss.
Police conducted interviews this week about the incident and, based on their findings and the serious nature of the nature of the threat, obtained a warrant to search the student’s house.
The incident follows a string of school threats that have been reported in the wake of the arrest of Jack Sawyer, and 18-year-old former Fair Haven Union High School student who was allegedly plotting an attack on the school and had recently purchased a 12 gauge shotgun.
Sawyer has been charged with crimes including attempted aggravated murder that could carry a life sentence.
Since Sawyer’s arrest in the middle of last month, threats have been reported in towns including Colchester, Fairfax and St. Albans.
Earlier this week, the Burlington School Board passed a resolution for stricter gun-control measures, while Gov. Phil Scott has announced a series of actions and legislations that he says will immediately make students safer.