Upon receiving this information, Benton County Deputies took immediate action by notifying the School Resource Officers, the Warsaw Police Chief, and launching a thorough investigation. A juvenile suspect was quickly identified, and after interviewing several individuals, probable cause was established.
The suspect was promptly located and taken into custody. Due to the juvenile’s age and the ongoing nature of the investigation, specific details and names are being withheld at this time.
We want to emphasize the importance of the swift actions taken by other juveniles who were witness to this situation. They promptly alerted their parents, who then contacted law enforcement. These individuals are to be commended for their quick thinking and willingness to "See Something, Say Something," helping prevent a potentially dangerous situation.
It's crucial to remind everyone that even when statements are made in jest or are intended for a small group of friends, all it takes is for one person to feel uncomfortable and report it. This can lead to a very serious investigation because law enforcement cannot assume that any threat, implied or otherwise, is not real. The safety of our community is always our top priority, and every threat must be treated with the highest level of concern and diligence.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office always takes threats of a shooting with the utmost seriousness due to the immediate danger they pose to public safety and the potential for devastating harm. Every threat, whether direct or implied, carries with it the possibility of significant violence and loss of life, and as such, law enforcement's duty is to act swiftly and decisively. In Missouri, under the Revised Statutes of Missouri, law enforcement is empowered and obligated to investigate such threats under the principle of "good faith," ensuring that all actions are conducted with the genuine intent of preventing harm and upholding the law. This aggressive response is not only a legal responsibility but also a moral obligation to protect individuals, families, and communities from the potential tragedy that could stem from a shooting threat. Failure to act with vigilance and thoroughness could result in catastrophic consequences, which is why each threat is handled with a proactive and precautionary approach.
We thank our community for their vigilance and continued support in ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in Benton County.
Lieutenant, Kelly D. Lowe
Benton County Sheriff’s Office
We want to emphasize the importance of the swift actions taken by other juveniles who were witness to this situation. They promptly alerted their parents, who then contacted law enforcement. These individuals are to be commended for their quick thinking and willingness to "See Something, Say Something," helping prevent a potentially dangerous situation.
It's crucial to remind everyone that even when statements are made in jest or are intended for a small group of friends, all it takes is for one person to feel uncomfortable and report it. This can lead to a very serious investigation because law enforcement cannot assume that any threat, implied or otherwise, is not real. The safety of our community is always our top priority, and every threat must be treated with the highest level of concern and diligence.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office always takes threats of a shooting with the utmost seriousness due to the immediate danger they pose to public safety and the potential for devastating harm. Every threat, whether direct or implied, carries with it the possibility of significant violence and loss of life, and as such, law enforcement's duty is to act swiftly and decisively. In Missouri, under the Revised Statutes of Missouri, law enforcement is empowered and obligated to investigate such threats under the principle of "good faith," ensuring that all actions are conducted with the genuine intent of preventing harm and upholding the law. This aggressive response is not only a legal responsibility but also a moral obligation to protect individuals, families, and communities from the potential tragedy that could stem from a shooting threat. Failure to act with vigilance and thoroughness could result in catastrophic consequences, which is why each threat is handled with a proactive and precautionary approach.
We thank our community for their vigilance and continued support in ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in Benton County.
Lieutenant, Kelly D. Lowe
Benton County Sheriff’s Office
