Bethesda Teen Role in School Bomb Threats

For Immediate Release: Monday, August 26, 2024

Gaithersburg, MD – A 15-year-old student at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School has been charged in connection with bomb threats made against the school on Thursday, May 16, 2024. The threats led to a lockdown of the school and the deployment of SWAT, K-9 units, and other resources to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Following a joint investigation by the Montgomery County Department of Police – Behavioral Assessment and Administrative Unit and the FBI’s Baltimore Field Office, a 12-year-old Pennsylvania boy was identified as the caller.

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The two are also responsible for bomb threats made to Walt Whitman High School and Bethesda Elementary School on Friday, May 17.

The 15-year-old is accused of soliciting help on social media to have someone to call in a bomb threat at his school. The Bethesda teen has been charged with multiple counts, including threats of mass violence, making a false statement, extortion and other felony charges related to the event.

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During the incident, the 15-year-old allegedly communicated in real-time with the 12-year-old, providing information, updates and instructions as the threats were being made. The caller demanded that a certain dollar amount be paid to prevent bombs from detonating at the school.

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Maryland state law prohibits charges from being filed against the 12-year-old. However, the actions of both individuals caused disruption to the school day, forcing a lockdown, and taking an emotional toll on the students, staff, and the community. After a search of the campus, it was determined that no bombs were present, and students were dismissed for the day.

The 15-year-old was charged accordingly and released to his family.

Release ID: 24-388
Media Contact: S.D. Goff
Categories: arrest

For updates and link to press release, see here: http://www2.montgomerycountymd.gov/mcgportalapps/Press_Detail_Pol.aspx?Item_ID=45738