Vicksburg Police take 16-year-old into custody for bomb threat hoax

The Vicksburg Police Department responded to a bomb threat at Porters Chapel Academy on Tuesday, Jan. 7. The threat turned out to be a hoax.

School officials called the police after being notified that the threat was communicated via social media Monday, Jan. 6, against the school, which is located at 3460 Porters Chapel Road in Vicksburg.

When the 16-year-old student who allegedly made the threat arrived at school, officers took the student into custody. The student is being housed in the Warren County Juvenile Detention Center.

Police conducted a thorough search of the facility and no device was found. One of the K-9 officers with the Vicksburg Police, Cezar, is a trained bomb dog and was used in the search.

Although no charges have been filed against the student, yet, making such a threat is serious business. Capt. Mike Bryant of the Vicksburg Police said it is likely one of two felony charges could be filed against the juvenile: false reporting of placing explosives or making terroristic threats.

Both charges carry a maximum penalty of up to 10 years behind bars, a fine of up to $10,000.00 or both. In the case of the terroristic threat charge, not having the intention or capacity to carry out the threat cannot be used as a defense.

The juvenile’s name is being withheld pending formal charges and arraignment.