WAUPACA, WI (WTAQ) – A Waupaca Teen is free on a $5000 dollar signature bond in a case involving an alleged terrorist threat made against Waupaca High School.
Dominick Silva, 17, is facing one count of making terrorist threats.
Waupaca Police Captain John Helgeson says he was arrested at his home Sunday.
“Through the course of the investigation, a 17-year-old male was taken into custody and charges were referred.”
Detective Sgt. Bret Rodenz of the Waupaca Police Department said word of the threats spread quickly. “The Waupaca Police Department was advised of a possible threat to Waupaca High School.”
According to the complaint, police were notified that Silva allegedly said he would bring a gun to school and shoot people in the Main Street hallway.
The word spread on social media.
“It was heard through students and then there was threats, not specific against one person, but there was social media threats that this was going to be carried out during school time,” said Detective Sgt. Bret Rodenz. “Dominick stated he had not put a lot of other thought into bringing a gun to school as far as planning,” the complaint states.
According to the criminal complaint, no guns were found in Silva’s possession.
Another student said Silva had been discussing the idea for about two years, but only recently said he was serious about it.
A search of his room found knives. His father confirmed all of his firearms were accounted for.
“No credible threat to students or staff at the Waupaca School District has been established,” Helgeson said.
Silva must reside with his mother, may not leave the residence without adult supervision, cannot access the internet or social media, cannot have contact with the school district unless for expulsion hearings, and may not be in any home where guns may be present, court records show.”The Waupaca Police Department has continued to follow-up on multiple tips and the investigation is ongoing.”
According to the complaint, attendance at Waupaca High School was down about 90% on Tuesday.
Waupaca Police say they will continue to have a stronger presence at the schools.
“A lot of parents are nervous to bring their kids to school. It’s probably safer now than it’s been because of the presence out there,” said Rodenz.
The district sent out a letter Monday.
Dear Parents, Guardians, and Students,
The School District of Waupaca was made aware of a student making statements regarding a potential threat to the safety of our High School. The Waupaca Police Department has taken steps to ensure the safety of all involved. The District is proactively working with law enforcement officers as they investigate this situation. We believe there is no current threat to school safety at this time; there will be additional law enforcement presence throughout the District. Please know that our number one priority is the safety and security of our students and staff. We encourage anyone in our school district community who becomes aware of any potential threats to school safety to notify a teacher, administrator or police officer as soon as possible.
Thank you for your attention to this communication.
Saari said this morning, the safety of students and staff is the district’s main priority, and they are working closely with law enforcement.
