Police say a 27-year-old Newark man was taken into custody on terroristic threat charges following an incident at Frank Knight Elementary School.
On Thursday at approximately 4:29 p.m. the Seneca Falls Police Department responded to the Creative Choices Child Care satellite location located at Frank Knight Elementary School for the report of a male subject making threats to a staff member.
Police worked with school and child care staff to quickly identify the subject in question as Andrew W. Wheeler, 27, of Newark.
An investigation ensued and a short time later — he was charged with making a terroristic threat. Wheeler was arraigned and remanded to the Seneca County Correctional Facility in lieu of $10,000 cash bail or $20,000 secured bond.
A felony hearing is scheduled for April 4th.
The court issued an Order of Protection ordering Wheeler to stay away from Frank Knight School and Creative Choices Child Care, according to police.
The following statement was released by officials at Seneca Falls Central School District:
“On Thursday, March 29, 2018 at @ 4:30 pm, a gentleman arrived at Creative Choices Child Care at Frank Knight School. The gentleman was angry about something. He made threatening statement(s) about causing harm at school. The statements were made to one of the Creative Choices Child Care workers. The Creative Child Care worker disclosed the statement(s) to district office personnel and SFPD were called immediately. Police responded and interviewed the worker for details and watched camera footage to identify the gentleman. The gentleman was apprehended a short time later downtown. He was arraigned and charged with 1 count of making a terroristic statement and is being held on bail. He was issued an Order of Protection, not permitting him on school grounds.
Compliments and thanks to Chief Peenstra, Officer Denny, and other responding officers for their quick attention and decisive actions with this matter. Also, many thanks to Creative Choices staff and District Office staff for their quick response and contact to law enforcement. An SFPD press release is also being released regarding this matter.
As you are aware, we continue to place high priority on our Safety Plan and emergency responses. Yesterday’s response to what occurred was evidence of the attention to our emergency response procedures. The safety of students and staff continues to be a top priority for our district. We have and will continue to look at ways to enhance our safety and emergency response procedures.”
