Barrington Police charged a 16-year-old student with two counts of vandalism and one count of disturbance of public assemblies, in connection with the threatening message written on a bathroom wall at Barrington High School in December.

Barrington Police Chief Michael Correia said the department worked very hard on the case.

“The Barrington Police Department takes threats of violence very seriously,” he said. “There have been far too many violent attacks in schools across the country for us not to do so. In this case, we will work with the Family Court, which is equipped to address juvenile incidents, to ensure that the community is protected and the young adult receives any services they may need.”

The incident surfaced on Monday, Dec. 13, shortly after a student found a threatening message written on a wall or stall door inside a girls bathroom at the high school. The message threatened a shooting at the school on 12/21/21. It appeared that the message initially included the date 12/20/21, but then was written over. 

Out of an abundance of caution, school officials moved Barrington High School classes to distance learning for the few days leading up to Dec. 21. The district went on holiday break shortly thereafter.

Meanwhile, police worked with school officials and other law enforcement agencies on the investigation. Specifically, Barrington Police partnered with the Rhode Island State Police and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. The U.S. Postal Service reportedly assisted with a handwriting analysis. 

Chief Correia said the investigation concluded with the charges levied against the 16-year-old student on Wednesday, Feb. 9. Police charged the student with two counts of vandalism-obstruction of lawful pursuits, and a single count of disturbance of public assemblies generally. (Police would not specify if it was a male or female student.)

Chief Correia said the department worked very hard on the investigation — he praised Sergeant John Sgagliardich and Det. Lt. Ben Ferreira. He also thanked the Rhode Island State Police and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service for their support.

He said he hopes the police department’s work will help lessen the fear and anxiety that surrounded the situation for weeks. 

Chief Correia also reminded people that if they see something that is concerning, they should say something.

“If you or your child is aware of any threat directed at our schools on social media or anywhere else please notify a school official or the police immediately,” he said.

The police department can be reached at (401) 437-3935 or through their unrecorded anonymous tip line at 401-437-3933. Information can also be communicated to the school district by calling (401)-245-5000 ext. 1 or through CrisisGo Barrington Public Schools Anonymous Tip Line.