TOPSHAM

Topsham police Monday investigated another threat via social media involving Mt. Ararat High School, this time arresting a 19-year-old Bowdoinham man and seizing weapons.

According to a press release, Topsham police were notified Monday of the impending threat which was posted using a social media outlet identified as Discord.  

Police say the suspect identified the high school as well as a future day and time when the threat of physical violence would take place. They worked to positively identify the suspect using a specific screen name. Once the individual was identified, Detective Mark LaFountain obtained an arrest warrant along with a search warrant for the suspect’s residence.     

Topsham police and the Sagadahoc County Sheriff’s Office executed the search warrant Monday evening at 1594 River Road in Bowdoinham. Jonas Cloukey, 19, was subsequently arrested at the Topsham police station.

Police also seized items in connection with the investigation including a firearm, several knives, two computers and cellular phones.  

“The Topsham Police Department is confident he is the sole suspect in this investigation and thanks to a concerned person, we were able to close this investigation successfully,” Lewis states.

“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,” said Brad Smith, Superintendent of Schools for School Administrative District 75. “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.  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 said. “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. They decided to evacuate the school, transport students and staff to Mt. Ararat Middle School where parents picked them up. No bomb was found.

Police did not issues charges as a result of those investigations.