Authorities in Louisiana Arrest Juvenile Who Was Allegedly Found to be Plotting a School Shooting Via Social Media

East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana – Authorities in Louisiana have arrested a juvenile who was allegedly found to be plotting a school shooting via social media.

According to the Zachary Police Department, detectives were alerted of social media posts by a juvenile who was allegedly plotting a school shooting at Northwestern Middle School for Friday, May 5, 2023.

The Zachary Police Department collaborated with Instagram, a social media company, to acquire evidence. The juvenile suspect was discovered, apprehended, and taken to the East Baton Rouge Parish Juvenile Detention Center following a thorough investigation that included mobile phone data and quick action on the part of authorities.

“Within the course of two hours of being notified of the potential school shooting, we were able to investigate and make an arrest. This swift action can be attributed not only to our Detectives and Officers but to the citizens of Zachary for reporting the threat and cooperating as we gathered information., said Darryl Lawrence, Sr., Zachary Chief of Police. Chief Lawrence continues, “The Zachary Police Department has Police Officers working at every school in the Zachary Community School District daily and during school events. The school environment should be a safe space for students to learn. The safety of our children, school staff and school campuses are a top priority.” said Chief Lawrence.

In a release, authorities indicated that the Zachary Police Department will continue its dedication to the safety of the citizens of Zachary and their community.

Zachary PD indicated that anyone with information or concerns can contact them at 225- 654-1921.

An arrest is an indication that probable cause exists to believe the subject was involved in the offense alleged. All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.