Newark – The Delaware State Police has made an arrest in connection with a story only First State Update brought you last week.
Investigators have arrested Maurice Wayman, 19, of Wilmington for allegedly making multiple threats via social media. One of those threats was the October 18, 2018, bomb threat at Christiana High School, according to Public Information Officer, Master Corporal Michael Austin.
Austin said the investigation began at approximately 11:07 a.m., Thursday, October 18, 2018, when Troopers responded to Christiana High School, located at 190 Salem Church Road in Newark in reference to a bomb threat. It was determined that multiple Christiana High School students received a message via Instagram, that quickly circulated throughout the school community, stating that an explosive device was planted inside the school and that it would go off at 12:30, according to Austin. Upon learning of the threat the school administration immediately initiated their emergency plan which included an evacuation of the school.
After the evacuation, Troopers along with Explosive Detection K-9 teams completed a search of the building with nothing suspicious being located or detected. An all-clear was given at approximately 1:10 p.m. and students returned to the building to resume the school day.
On Tuesday, October 23, 2018, as Troopers were continuing their investigation into the original bomb threat they were advised of two additional threatening messages which were determined to have come from the same Instagram account, said Austin. These two messages, which involved a threat involving a gun were directed towards two juvenile females, ages 16 and 17, said Austin.
Through various investigative measures, Troopers were able to positively link Wayman, who was enrolled at Christiana High School at the time of the incident, to all three threats, added Austin.
Wayman was taken into custody on Wednesday, October 24 without incident and transported to Troop 2 where was charged one felony count of Terroristic Threatening for the bomb threat and two misdemeanor counts of Terroristic Threatening for the threats to the female victims. He was then arraigned in Justice of the Peace Court #2 and released on $5000.00 unsecured bond. A condition of the release was that he have no contact with the female victims or the school.
Update
Just moments ago Christiana High School High School sent out the following update regarding the threat made to the school earlier today.
“UPDATE: Message from Christiana Campus Principal Sam Postlethwait, October 18, 2018
Dear Christiana Campus Parents and Guardians,
We want to inform you that at approximately 1:10 PM today, the Delaware State Police completed their search and gave an all-clear for the students and the staff to return to the school.
We will dismiss at the normal time and after-school activities will be held as planned.
If you have any questions, please contact the Christina School District Public Information Office at 302-552-2670.”
Original Post
Christiana High School High School is currently on lockdown due to a bomb threat according to a statement sent to parents this afternoon.
Statement
“Message from Christiana Campus Principal Sam Postlethwait, October 18, 2018
Please click on the headline above to read an important message from Christiana Principal Sam Postlethwait
Dear Christiana Campus Parents and Guardians,
This message is to inform you about a bomb threat that we received today.
This morning, we received a report of a threat made against the school.
We have evacuated the school and the Delaware State Police will be completing a search.
We will provide updates as more information becomes available.
If you have any questions, please contact the Christina School District Public Information Office at 302-552-2670.
Sincerely,
Sam Postlethwait”