| By Big Radio News Staff |
An intelligence-sharing network leads Janesville police to the arrest of a teen over an online bomb threat.
Messaging app Snapchat flagged a threatening post on its platform and notified the FBI. From there, the tip went to the Wisconsin Statewide Intelligence Center and then to JPD.
Janesville police Sgt. Benji Thompson says the WSIC is part of a post-9/11 effort for agencies to share intelligence with each other and with the federal government.
Thompson says between Snapchat, the FBI and local police, authorities were able to determine who they were seeking in connection with the bomb threat in a matter of hours.
Police arrested a 15-year-old early Wednesday morning and found no bomb-making supplies or other concerning materials at the teen’s home.
The juvenile remains in custody at the Rock County Youth Services Center.
Thompson says the incident serves as a reminder to use social media responsibly and that posts that might be intended as a joke might not be received that way.
He encourages people who observe threatening behavior to call the police department at 608-755-3100 or submit tips on the P-3 Tips app.
