Making prank 911 calls led to arrests for four Kinston High School students Monday.
Officers with the Kinston Department of Public Safety arrested Jacquell Lawson and Alexis Whitfield, both 16, and two 15-year-old juveniles, charging them with misdemeanor misuse of the 911 system. The Lawson and Whitfield received $500 bonds.
“Two juvenile suspects have been served with juvenile petitions,” a KDPS statement said.
Friday, the Lenoir County 911 center received several calls reporting gunfire at KHS. Police responded and began investigating the incident, tracing the calls to KHS.
The four are also implicated in multiple 911 calls made at the same time alleging a stabbing, a shooting and a bomb at South Lenoir High School.
The Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office announced intentions to prosecute the perpetrators Friday, after discovering the calls were untrue.
“These false calls created a disruption at the school, put fear in the hearts of students, parents, and staff, and endanger our responding officers who are rapidly trying to get to the school,”LCSO Chief Deputy Chris Hill said at the time.
Charges are pending as the investigation continues in the South Lenoir case.
Lawson and Whitfield are due in Lenoir County District Court April 15.
Wes Wolfe can be reached at 252-559-1075 or wes.wolfe@kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter @WolfeReports.
