‘Joking’ threat against Ontario university leads to woman’s arrest

A 20-year-old university student who reportedly made a threat against Brock University as a “joke” was arrested and subsequently released without charges being laid.

Niagara Regional Police say that shortly before 2 p.m. on Thursday, officers were called to the Brock campus in St. Catharines after the school received a threat.

Investigators say INTERPOL Washington contacted the police service after the social media app Snapchat alerted INTERPOL that a Thorold-based user had made a threatening post about the university.

Officers went to the campus and identified a female student as the suspect. She was later arrested at a home in Thorold. After the arrest, police determined “there was no further safety concerns stemming from the incident.”

Regular campus activities were not interrupted and the reach of the initial post was determined to be low.

Police say the threat was reportedly intended as a joke but still prompted a criminal investigation.

“The (student) was extremely remorseful and apologetic. She was released from police custody without charge,” police said in a news release, adding they’ll continue to liaise with Brock University regarding the incident and the student’s conduct.

Police remind residents that issuing threats, even as a joke, can have serious consequences.

“Threats, whether made in person or online, are treated as real until proven otherwise as public safety is the highest priority,” police said, adding that even a threat made in jest can lead to an arrest, charges, court appearances and a criminal record. A record, police warn, can make it difficult for a person to pursue their education or find gainful employment.

Beyond that, police say, threats create fear and anxiety and since they require a police response, they take time and attention away from real emergencies.

“Think before you post: social media is not anonymous, and any statement that causes fear or alarm can have lasting consequences,” police said.

Police are also asking parents to speak to their children about responsible online behaviour.

“We remind the public that even seemingly harmless jokes can have profound and unintended consequences.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact the investigating officers by calling 905-688-4111, option 3, extension 1004233.