The Pana Police Department is investigating comments about a possible school shooting threat at Pana High School.  On Monday at 12:22 PM Pana Police Department was contacted by Pana High School requesting an officer respond reference concerning comments made by a male juvenile student possibly bringing a shotgun to school to carry out a shooting. The comments were heard by students who reported the information to school officials where law enforcement was notified.

Pana Officers responded and a 16 year old male student was taken into custody for further investigation.  During the investigation, officers discovered multiple statements and comments made by the juvenile allegedly contemplating obtaining a gun and threatening to shoot another student while mentioning a school shooting. Thanks to assistance by the Christian County State Attorney’s Office, the 16 year old juvenile was detained on disorderly conduct and transported to Madison County Juvenile Detention Center to await a juvenile court hearing.

There has been no evidence, at least right now, that suggests that the student planned, researched, or sought after additional resources to carry out any type of violent act against any student or school. The case is still under investigation.

In Pana Police Chief Daniel Bland’s press release, Chief Bland stressed the importance of immediately reporting all suspicious concerning and threatening conversations and behaviors to the appropriate officials. Obtaining this information gives law enforcement an opportunity to prevent serious incidents from occurring if something is being planned. Chief Bland continues to appreciate the close relationship between the Pana Police and Pana School District.  Stay tuned to Regional Radio News for more updates if they become available.