Teen threatens shooting at South Lyon High

Update: Green Oak teen jailed, charged with felony in false threat to shoot up South Lyon High School

Police continue to investigate an online threat to re-enact the recent Florida high school shooting at South Lyon High School reported over the weekend.

South Lyon Police were contacted Saturday, Feb. 17, by Oakland County Sheriff's deputies from the Lyon Township substation about the threat. A 17-year old Lyon Township teen, described as a cooperating witness, had approached a deputy and offered information about a social media message he'd received the previous day.

The witness reported that a friend had sent him a Snapchat message asking if he wanted to re-enact the Florida shooting Wednesday. The South Lyon Community Schools district has been on on mid-winter break since a half-day of classes Thursday, Feb. 15, and returns to school Wednesday, Feb. 21.

More: Close to home: Even when they're far away, tragedies tug at local fears

More: Gender discrimination alleged in civil rights complaint filed against South Lyon

More: Man is arrested after denying involvement in crash in bar parking lot

In response to the message, the witness told police he had replied "no." Since both the witness and the suspect attend South Lyon High School, deputies contacted the South Lyon Police Department.

Police identified the suspect as a 17-year old male who lives in Green Oak Township. South Lyon officers contacted the Green Oak Township Police Department for assistance in interviewing the suspect.

At approximately 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 17, South Lyon officers, Oakland County deputies and Green Oak Township officers went to the suspect's home to continue the investigation.

Officers were admitted to the home by the suspect's parents, who were cooperative with the investigation. The suspect was interviewed in the residence and admitted to sending the message about re-enacting the Florida shooting at South Lyon High School, according to police.

Officers conducted a consent search of the home, including the suspect's room and vehicle. No firearms were found in his possession or under his control. The suspect was subsequently transported to an area hospital for evaluation and is not in police custody, according to South Lyon police.

The matter remains under investigation at this time. South Lyon officers are expected to meet with representatives of the Oakland County Prosecutor's Office later today (Tuesday, Feb. 20) to discuss plans to further the investigation.

Without releasing any details about the incident, South Lyon Community Schools administration issued a statement saying they are thankful for the quick action taken by a current student of the district.

"This courageous student promptly informed the local authorities this weekend of a potential threat regarding South Lyon High School. Due to these swift actions, the local authorities and our administration were able to work collaboratively to investigate and prevent any issues.

"Communicating all concerns quickly to an adult is essential when dealing with safety concerns. Students should report to a trusted adult such as a parent, teacher, administrator, counselor or police officer and let them determine the next steps. If a person prefers to report anonymously, they can by using the Ok2Say option posted on the district website. Working collaboratively, we will continue to provide a safe environment for the students in our community."

Similar threats were reported at other Michigan schools, including Marine City Middle School, in the wake of the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting in Florida which left 17 dead.

A fundraising wild game dinner to benefit the South Lyon High School football was canceled in the wake of the Florida shooting. The dinner had planned to have a firearms auction, including an AR-15 assault-style rifle — the same weapon used in the Florida high school shooting.

Contact LeAnne Rogers at lrogers@hometownlife.com or 734-883-9039. Follow her on Twitter: @LRogersObserver,