HAMILTON — UPDATE
Kole Michael Lavender, 18, of Millville Avenue in Hamilton, was arrested early this morning by Hamilton police and charged with making terrorist threats, a fifth-degree felony.
He was booked in the Butler County Jail and arraigned today in Hamilton Municipal Court, where bond was set at $100,000. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Feb. 27. He was also ordered to stay 1000 feet away from all school properties if he makes bond.
According to the Hamilton police report, Lavender made “threats to harm the civilian population” via Facebook.
INITIAL REPORT
Police have arrested and charged a student in connection to a threat made on social media regarding Hamilton High School on Wednesday.
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In a release, Hamilton Police say they were made aware of the threat after it quickly spread on various social media outlets and Butler County dispatch received numerous calls from concerned parents.
“This incident was quickly investigated by the Hamilton Police Department’s Investigations Section and the suspect was charged with making a terroristic threat and transported to Butler County Jail”, the release said.
Details of the threat were not immediately released.
The student, whose name was also not released, was the only person involved in the threat.
The Hamilton City School District was notified and has been cooperating with the investigation.
“We take all threats seriously and will continue to work together with the Hamilton Police Department to ensure the safety of our students and staff”, a post to the school district’s Facebook page stated.
Hamilton High School will be open as normal today.
