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Howland student removed after threats

HOWLAND — A 13-year-old student at Howland Middle School was removed from class Monday after he reportedly made hand gestures and comments to other students that were perceived as threatening, according to Howland police Chief Nick Roberts.

The boy was removed from class around 9 a.m. after other students reported the gestures and comments to school staff. His parents were called, and he was removed from the building, Roberts said. The student also was searched for weapons or contraband, and nothing was found.

Roberts said he did not want to disclose the specifics of the alleged threats, but they were not racial and they were not death threats.

“Any threat or any perceived threat at any of our schools is going to be taken very seriously,” Roberts said. “We will leave no stone unturned and will do complete and thorough investigations.”

He said the student will remain out of school until an investigation is complete. While no criminal charges were pending as of Tuesday, Roberts said the Howland Police Department is working with the prosecutor’s office and charges are possible.

Roberts said safety in the township’s schools is Howland Police Department’s “No. 1 priority.”

“We don’t take these matters lightly,” Roberts said.

A message left Tuesday afternoon seeking comment with Howland Local Schools Superintendent Kevin Spicer was not returned.

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