JEFFERSON COUNTY, Mo. — A 17-year-old boy has been charged with threatening to shoot up a high school homecoming dance.
Jesus Cabrera was arrested and charged with second-degree terrorist threat.
According to Kirkwood police, the threat was Snapchat post with a photo of a gun and the message: “Imma make some [EXPLETIVE] cry at [homecoming].”
Investigators with the Kirkwood Police Department arrested Cabrera, who lives in Kirkwood. Police said he admitted during the interview that he sent the message with the intent of making girls at the high school cry.
The high school’s homecoming dance is this weekend.
But administrators didn't know their school was the target of that threat, even though at least 20 students saw it Tuesday, until 5 On Your Side showed them court documents.
"Now what we have to do, we have an obligation to share this message with others," Superintendent Dr. Desi Kirchhofer said.
After our interview, the district sent a letter to parents explaining the situation and reiterating that the safety and security of their students is their top priority. Homecoming festivities will go on as scheduled this weekend.
A Rockwood School District spokesman said Cabrera is a freshman at Rockwood Summit High School. Rockwood Summit High School Principal Dr. Emily McCown sent the following letter to parents:
Rockwood Summit Families,
At Rockwood Summit the safety and security of our students is always our top priority. We feel it is important to communicate with our community that a Summit student is facing charges after allegedly sending a threatening private message to a student from another school district via a social media platform.
When we became aware of the situation we immediately contacted authorities. While we know this was not a threat to Rockwood Summit or our students, we began working with police to ensure the safety of all students.
It is important to us that our students feel valued and cared for. Our students’ well-being is always our first priority. If you or your child have any concerns or questions please do not hesitate to contact me.
Sincerely,
Emily
Police have not released any further details at this time.