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Plainfield police to host public forum about online threats

PLAINFIELD, Ind. (WISH) – Police in Plainfield will be speaking directly with parents just weeks after someone posted online threats against students.

Officers have still not arrested anyone in the case. The Plainfield Police Department says Tuesday night’s forum will give people an opportunity to share concerns and ask questions. City government and law enforcement agency officials will be there to listen.

A number of severe threats to the school, a movie theater and area stores have surfaced on Facebook since Dec. 16. Threats included specific students and specific buildings. In response Plainfield police and the school community leaders closed the school and canceled the last day before winter break out of an abundance of safety.

Some stores and a movie theater were evacuated as well. Captain of the Plainfield Police Department Jill Lees says more recent threats have surfaced, but from a separate Facebook account.

“We’re trying to assure people that these aren’t credible threats, says Lees. “This person has been threatening for weeks and weeks now, and not followed through with any of the threats. People are not going to get exactly what is going on with this case, but I do think that and I hope that some of the questions are answered regarding to the safety of their children at the schools and the safety of the community.”

The FBI, the U.S. Attorney’s office and Plainfield police did search a few homes and questioned some people of interest on Jan. 5. They would not say any more about that.

The forum starts at 6 p.m. inside Plainfield High School’s auditorium. Captain Lees says the plan is for it to end by 7:30 p.m.