Investigation Continues After Possible Online Threat To School

MATTITUCK, NY — Police are continuing to investigate a possible threat made on social media to a North Fork high school, officials said.

Jill Gierasch, superintendent of the Mattituck-Cutchogue Union Free School District, sent out a letter to parents Saturday saying that the district was just alerted to the potential threat on the social media site.

"We believe we have caught this alleged threat in time; should any further information need to be shared, we will alert you immediately," Gierasch said.

Gierasch said the incident is believed to be isolated to one student but asked parents and children to inform district officials with any information.

Southold Town Police Chief Martin Flatley told Patch that "without getting into particulars, the student did not make any threats."

Giersch sent out a letter to parents, thanking them for their patience, and said school was open Monday.

"At this time, the Southold Police Department has been in touch with the student whose picture was posted on social media with an alleged school threat message," Gierasch said. "The student and the family are cooperating and the police are still in the process of investigating the source of the social media posting."

The district has been in close contact with the Southold Police Department, who have confirmed they do not believe there is any threat to students or schools, she said.

The security team is "active and alert as always," Gierasch said. "We are appreciative of the students and families that brought this to our attention. Working together as a school community protects all of our students and staff."