Phony Facebook threat makes its way into West Memphis social media circles

Phony Facebook threat makes its way into West Memphis social media circles

WMPD counters circulating rumors with details to the public

ralphhardin@gmail.com In the age of the Internet, information can be spread instantly to anyone anywhere at any time — even if it’s false information.

And that appears to be what happened not once, but twice in Crittenden County over the past few days. Following a photograph threatening some sort of violent incident at Marion High School over the weekend that turned out to be targeting an entirely different “MHS” in another state, it was the West Memphis School District’s turn to dispel similar rumors Wednesday morning.

Taking to the same social media service that spawned the false alarms, the West Memphis Police Department sent out the following message early Wednesday morning: “The West Memphis Police Department received information this morning about a possible threat at West Junior High School that was made via Facebook. Detectives immediately began the process of working with Facebook officials and other law enforcement agencies and were able to prove the post a hoax for the West Junior High School in West Memphis. Detectives were able to find out the person posting to social media was in an entirely different region of the country and has no association with the West Memphis area. The information has been passed on to the appropriate jurisdiction and there is no ongoing threat at any West Memphis area school.”

The post was quickly shared more than 50 times by concerned, relieved citizens, many of whom posted replies to the WMPD.

“Thank you for always making sure our kids are safe!” posted Ann Chapman’s Outdoor Warehouse. “Outstanding Job. Well done. Keep up the good work,” wrote Gary Depew.

“Thank you for taking care of our children and community,” posted Charlotte Wicks.

“Thank the West Memphis schools and the West Memphis Police Department for making sure our children are safe. Y’all are the best,” wrote LaJuan Herron.

One poster wanted a little more reassurance.

“Has the person been caught because some are saying they just posted they were from another region, but are actually right here in West Memphis?” asked Janet Robinson-Ricks.

“Asking for myself and other concerned parents!”

The WMPD provided said reassurance.

“The information has been forwarded to the appropriate jurisdiction and they are now investigating the suspect,” read an updated post. “The post was not made in West Memphis. If someone is saying they are in West Memphis please have that person contact the Police Department so we can find out what incorrect information that person has. Thank you.”

On Sunday, a photograph of several guns and the warning, “Don’t go to school tomorrow @MHS.

Students,” created an online stir. The photograph was eventually traced to a student at Monticello High School in Albemarle County, Virginia.

By Ralph Hardin