Woodburn Police Arrest 13 Year Old Juvenile Male Student for Social Media Shooting Threat at Middle School

Woodburn Police - 05/22/18 

On May 21, 2018 at approximately 1:00 PM, the Woodburn Police Department responded to French Prairie Middle School, located at 1025 N. Boones Ferry Road in Woodburn, after receiving a report that a student, using a smartphone with the Snapchat app, had threatened to shoot fellow students.

Woodburn police detectives and school resource officers responded immediately to the school upon learning of the threat.  Working with school staff, the suspect was quickly identified by investigating officers and social media evidence was found confirming the suspect had threatened five students through the Snapchat app. Police contacted and interviewed the threatened students.  Detectives did not find any evidence to believe that the suspect had the means or capability to carry out the threats.

Based upon their investigation, Woodburn Police arrested the 13-year-old suspect and transported him to the Marion County Juvenile Detention facility on charges of Menacing and Disorderly Conduct.    

Police and school officials were first made aware of the initial threat through the “SafeOregon” website.  “SafeOregon" is a program created for Oregon students, parents, school staff, community members and law enforcement officers to report and respond to student safety threats. Please visit www.safeoregon.com for further information about this program.

Questions can be directed to Sgt. Andy Shadrin or Deputy Chief Marty Pilcher at 503-982-2345.