CENTERVILLE, MI (WTVB) – The St. Joseph County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office and the Centreville-Constantine Police Department have issued a public warning following online threats of violence targeting Constantine High School students on social media.
Police are actively investigating an account using variations of the username “catinthehat” alongside subsequent copycat accounts, emphasizing that such online conduct may constitute serious criminal offenses under Michigan law regardless of the perpetrator’s age.
In a news release St Joseph County Prosecutor Deborah Davis says ” Threats involving schools are taken seriously by law enforcement. They frighten students and families, disrupt education, consume substantial police and school resources, and can result in significant criminal consequences for the person responsible”.
She added “If you are thinking about creating a threatening post because you believe it will be funny, get attention, or add to an existing social media trend—do not do it”.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to speak with their children about the seriousness of threatening statements made online and to remind them that social media activity can have consequences far beyond the screen. Families are also encouraged to discuss online safety and consider limiting personally identifying information that is publicly available through their social-media accounts.
Anyone with information concerning the original account, subsequent copycat accounts, or the identity of any person involved is encouraged to contact St. Joseph County Central Dispatch at 269-467-4195.
Individuals who encounter additional threatening posts should preserve the content, including screenshots, usernames, dates, times, and links, and immediately report it to law enforcement rather than engaging with or further circulating the material.
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