Facebook post leads to student's arrest

NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (WAVY) - A Newport News middle school student's Facebook post prompted a police investigation.

According to police spokeswoman Holly McPherson, a parent reached out on Oct. 8 regarding a disturbing Facebook message. The post, made by a 13-year-old Gildersleeve Middle School student, stated he was "tired of the disrespect at school" and he might "give a couple of good pipe bombs on people."

Officers tracked down the student at his home in Denbigh and took him to Juvenile Intake where he was charged with threats to bomb. MPO McPherson told WAVY.com there were no bomb making materials found at the student's home. She says the child posted the comment because he was tired of being picked on.

The student was released into his parents' custody.

School spokeswoman Michelle Price told WAVY.com a phone message went out to all Gildersleeve families Tuesday afternoon to inform them of this incident and remind families and students to report incidents of teasing and bullying so that they may be investigated and addressed.