TOPSHAM
Another threat of violence at Mt. Ararat High School this time has resulted in an arrest.
Topsham police say they have arrested Jonas Cloukey, 19, of Bowdoinham, on Monday, after investigating an alleged threat via social media.
According to a press release, Topsham police say they were notified of the alleged threat posted using a social media outlet Discord. Police said the suspect identified the high school, as well as a future day and time when a threat of physical violence would take place.
Officers identified the suspect through his screen name, and Det. Mark LaFountain obtained an arrest warrant.
Topsham police and the Sagadahoc County Sheriff ’s Office executed a search warrant Monday evening at Cloukey’s residence, where he was taken into custody.
Police say Cloukey was charged with terrorizing, a Class C crime punishable by up to 5 years incarceration and a $5,000 fine. Bail was set at $5,000. Police say he was able to post bail following his arrest. He is scheduled to appear May 8 in West Bath District Court.
Police seized a firearm, several knives, two computers and cellular phones.
“The Topsham Police Department is confident he is the sole suspect in this investigation,” stated Topsham Police Chief Chris Lewis, “and thanks to a concerned person, we were able to close this investigation successfully.”
“While it appears this person had no actual intent to carry out the act, these type of things are serious and will be treated as such,” Maine School Administrative District 75 Superintendent Brad Smith stated on the district’s website and sent out through emergency notification systems. “Based upon information provided by law enforcement, we believe there is no further threat to our high school or any other school.
“So we are comfortable opening school tomorrow,” he added. “While we don’t believe it is necessary, additional officer presence will be on-site at our schools to provide reassurance to students.”
Smith encouraged parents to urge their children to report anything they believe to be a threat to their safety.
“These are very anxious times, and we understand the heightened concern and fear that our school community is experiencing,” Smith stated. “If your child is feeling uneasy, let them know that administrators, school counselors and social workers are available to support them. We will continue to work with local law enforcement agencies to provide a safe environment for our students and staff.”
Topsham police investigated two complaints of threats of violence at the high school on Feb. 15, the day after 17 people were killed in a mass school shooting in Parkland, Florida. The next day, Feb. 16, Topsham police and SAD 75 officials investigated a bomb threat at Woodside Elementary School. The school was evacuated but no bomb was found.
Police did not issue charges as a result of those investigations.
The Times Record Sustaining Sponsor
We believe a community must be informed to thrive. bowdoin.edu
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less