Michigan State Police Investigate Snapchat Video After Threat to School

The Michigan State Police are investigating after a father and son from Barry County posted a video on Snapchat that ultimately resulted in a school closing out of an abundance of caution.

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In a release, the Michigan State Police - First District says that they were made aware of the video around 11 p.m. on October 28. They were contacted by the superintendent of Lakewood Public Schools.

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MSP says the video involved a 40-year-old man and his 17-year-old son. There was a weapon in the video, according to police, and it also "included statements suggesting the student might take the weapon to school and cause harm to faculty."

Lakewood Public Schools was closed Wednesday, October 29, out of an abundance of caution and to allow police time to investigate.

State police were able to identify the two people in the video, contacted them, and then interviewed them. Police say that they "haven't determined if the individuals intended to cause harm or just made a poor decision."

Police obtained a search warrant for the home of the two individuals and seized both firearms and electronics.

In the release, Lt. Rene Gonzalez, Public Information Officer with the Michigan State Police, said,

Staging or sharing videos that show weapons or suggest harming others is dangerous and irresponsible. It puts people at risk and can lead to real-world injury, legal consequences, and permanent harm to your reputation.

MSP says that they are continuing to investigate, and the two individuals from the video are cooperating with police.