Wayne High School student arrested

Derek Pufahl, Staff Writer

A 16-year-old female youth was arrested last Thursday by Wayne Police for terroristic threats and criminal mischief charges.

The arrest was made after an investigation by Wayne Police in response to a complaint received at the Wayne Public High School.

According to a letter sent to parents of Wayne Junior/Senior High School students by Wayne superintendent of schools Mark Lenihan, writings were discovered on a restroom wall by students who brought it to the attention of school administration.

This writing included a threat against specific staff members and the school itself.

After conducting an internal investigation, the school decided to notify law enforcement.

An investigation by the Wayne Police Department revealed that the 16-year-old female was responsible for the written threat. She was subsequently arrested.

The juvenile is being held at the Northeast Nebraska Juvenile Detention Center in Madison.

Formal charges are pending in Wayne County Court awaiting further review by the Wayne County Attorney’s Office.

“The safety of our students and staff is always at our highest priority,” Lenihan said, “and we applaud the students who made us aware of the writings.”