by **Threats Towards Students at Patrick Henry High School Lead to Arrest of 35-Year-Old Man**
In a disturbing turn of events, a 35-year-old man from Roanoke, Virginia, was arrested for making threats towards students at Patrick Henry High School via social media. The United States Department of Justice, along with the City of Roanoke Police Department and the FBI, conducted an investigation that led to the arrest of Stephen Karl Johnson.
**Arrest and Charges**
Johnson was federally charged with one count of communicating a threat to injure another person, as well as facing local charges by the RPD for Threats Towards Schools, a class 6 felony. United States Attorney Christopher R. Kavanaugh expressed his concern over the fear and emotional distress caused by Johnson’s actions, emphasizing the importance of holding individuals who threaten schools accountable under federal law.
**Online Threats and School Closures**
The threats made by Johnson on a Snapchat group used by Patrick Henry High School students resulted in the closure of public schools in Roanoke. The RPD identified Johnson as the suspect and traced the threatening messages back to a Gmail address linked to him. Despite Johnson’s past enrollment in the school system as a juvenile, there is no recent connection between him and Roanoke City Public Schools.
**Ongoing Investigation**
Both the FBI and the City of Roanoke Police Department are actively investigating the case to ensure the safety of the community. WFXR News will provide updates on the situation as more information becomes available.
Stay tuned for further developments on this incident as authorities work to address the serious threats made towards students at Patrick Henry High School.
