JENNINGS COUNTY — North Vernon police have taken a juvenile into custody and charged him with Level 5 felony intimidation.
The arrest at 4:23 p.m. Friday was made in conjunction with an investigation into a bomb threat that was sent by an iPhone airdrop on Thursday at Jennings County High School and Jennings County Middle School, police said.
Detectives with the North Vernon Police Department along with School Resource Officer Matt Staples, and Officer Michael Holliday worked closely with staff from Jennings County High School, Jennings County Middle School, and Jennings County Juvenile probation to conduct further investigation into the bomb threat airdrop and gun airdrop at the above-mentioned schools.
During the investigation numerous tips and information from students and staff in addition to video surveillance footage led to numerous interviews and phones being seized in relation to the offenses, police said. The information received ultimately lead to a juvenile suspect who was interviewed on Friday at the North Vernon Police Department. A voice stress analysis was also conducted by Andy Judd, Jennings County Juvenile Probation Officer.
During the interview, the juvenile provided a verbal admission to one of the air drops sent on Thursday, and also provided photo/electronic evidence of the crime. The juvenile was taken into custody and transported to a juvenile detention facility.
This investigation is still ongoing with future interviews planned. It is highly encouraged that anyone with any information contact the North Vernon Police Department or contact SRO Matt Staples or Jennings County School Corporation. Tips and information can be left anonymously.
