Rehoboth juvenile charged for creepy clown, gun threats

By: News Staff

news@abc6.com

REHOBOTH, M.A. The Rehoboth Police Department is taking matters very seriously after receiving a call from a concerned parent regarding threats being made over social media.

Police say on Tuesday around 6:00 p.m., officers were notified of firearm violence threats directed at other users of Twitter. The threat also and mentioned Dighton Rehoboth High School. 

An immediate investigation into the matter was initiated and officers were able to track the creation and usage of the Twitter account making the threats to a home in Rehoboth.

Authorities say after interviewing residents of the home officers were able to obtain a confession from a 17-year-old male.

The juvenile was arrested and charged with: threats to commit a crime, and making a threat concerning the location of dangerous items – firearm.  

He was later bailed and released to his parents, and the case has been forwarded to Taunton Juvenile Court for prosecution. 

Police say based on their investigation it did not appear students or residents were in any actual danger, and that the young man admitted that it was a "prank," attempting to feed off of the current clown frenzy in the area. 

The Rehoboth Police Department would like to caution anyone considering similar behavior that it will be met with arrest and prosecution.

© WLNE-TV / ABC6 2016