UTICA, Mich. – A Senior at Utica High School was in court Tuesday for a preliminary hearing on accusations that he made a threat against the school.
Timothy Evans, 18, was charged with making terrorist threats or false report of terrorism.
The hearing was adjourned until a later date.
Utica Community Schools notified police about the "credible" threat on social media against Utica High School which prompted officers to conduct a search of the student’s home.
Police said various firearms were found in the home, along with ammunition.
“Any threats made against our schools will be taken seriously and will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” prosecutor Eric Smith said. “Calling a threat a prank or a joke is not a valid defense. I urge parents and educators to continue to have these hard conversations with our youth, explaining to them the long-term ramifications of making a threat in this day and age."
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Evans' attorney, Daniel Blank, said the nature of the threat was exaggerated.
“There is a major difference between stupidity and criminality,” Blank said.
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