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Buffalo teen arrested for threats to Bennett High School

WBFO News file photo by Eileen Buckley

Buffalo Police said a 15-year-old male was arrested for making threats on social media to the Lewis J. Bennett High School located in the 2800 block of Main Street.

Police said with the help of tips from the public, police and school resource officers, they were able to locate and apprehend the suspect Tuesday afternoon at a Buffalo address. 

Lt. Jeff Rinaldo tells WBFO News the teenager was charged as a minor with making terrorist threats.

"In general, and I don't want to speak specific about this particular case, but if somebody makes a threat against a building, an institution, a group of people and the threat is of a violent nature you can be charged with making a terroristic threat and it is a felony," stated Lt. Rinaldo.

Police are not releasing the teen's name because he is a juvenile. They will not say if he was Buffalo Public school student.  He will be arraigned in family court. 

"And then the county attorney's office will take over the prosecution," noted Lt. Rinaldo. 

The Buffalo Public School District tells WBFO News they cannot comment because it is a police matter, but sent the following statement:

“We involve the police in every tip we are given and every threat we are made aware of.  The Buffalo Police are invaluable partners in student safety.”

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