Lake Charles, Louisiana - A 14-year-old student was arrested and booked into the Juvenile Detention Center on November 19, 2024, after allegedly making a threat to shoot up S.J. Welsh Middle School in Calcasieu Parish. The Calcasieu Parish Sheriff's Office (CPSO) deputies responded to the school at approximately 10:00 a.m. following a report of the threat.

According to the CPSO, the 14-year-old student confirmed that he made the threat during the investigation. As a result, the student was charged with menacing, a crime that involves intentionally threatening or intimidating another person.

In addition to the menacing charge, the student also faces charges of unlawful production, manufacture, distribution, or possession of hallucinogenic plants. This charge stems from the discovery of suspected psychedelic chocolate in the student's backpack by school personnel. The substance is currently undergoing testing to confirm its composition.

CPSO Detective Mika Liptak led the investigation, with assistance from the Calcasieu Parish School Board.

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.