SHALER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A man accused of making a shooting threat that caused the Shaler Area School District to push back the first day of school is now in custody.
According to court documents, Daniel White, 28, showed up to resolve Crisis Services in Pittsburgh’s Homewood neighborhood on Sunday, threatening to hurt and kill two people. While at the center, he also allegedly said, “I am a murder(er), and I will kill everyone. I will shoot up schools, especially the ones with little white kids at Shaler Elementary.”
Superintendent Bryan E. O’Black, Ed.D. and Shaler Police Chief Sean Frank sent a letter to families Monday morning, saying the district postponed orientation day for students in Grades K, 4, 7, and 9 until Tuesday. In addition, the first day of school will now be on Wednesday.
“We are deeply saddened to make this adjustment and do not take this decision lightly. The safety and security of our students and staff remain our highest priority. The District is working closely with local law enforcement, who are actively investigating the situation. We will fully cooperate to ensure that the individual responsible is prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,” the letter says.
Later that morning, the Allegheny County Sheriff’s Office said its deputies heard a BOLO (be on the lookout) come across their scanners for White.
Mike Manko, spokesperson for the sheriff’s office, said one of the deputies recognized White’s name from his involvement with Mental Health Court.
He was not scheduled in court, but arrived without explanation, Manko said. The deputy then took White into custody a short time later.
Authorities said White is not believed to have any connection to the school district.
“As we begin back-to-school season, the Allegheny County Police Department wants to make it clear that all threats made towards schools, students and staff will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. Remember, if you see something, say something,” The Allegheny County Police Department said in a Facebook post.
Shaler Township Police said the Shaler, Etna, Millvale and Reserve police will provide extra patrols at all Shaler Area School buildings.
Following White’s arrest, the district sent out a follow-up letter to Shaler families, saying in part:
“We remain in close coordination with the Shaler Township and Allegheny County Police as they continue their investigation. With the suspect now in custody and in coordination with local law enforcement, staff may access our school buildings if they desire. Our local police will continue to maintain a visible presence on campuses to provide reassurance and support as we transition back into our normal routines.
“The safety and well-being of our staff and students remain our highest priority. We are deeply grateful to our local law enforcement partners for their swift response, strong partnership, and unwavering support during this time. ”
Ahead of the new school year, the Allegheny County Police Department would like to mention the SAFE 2 SAY program, which encourages parents to report any suspicious activity they may see or hear. To find out more, click here.
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