Yelm student calls threatening Instagram post 'joke' after arrest

Police arrested a high school student who posted a threatening photo to social media over the weekend.

A sophomore posted a threatening photo and caption to an Instagram account on Saturday night. Someone called 911 to report it around 10:30 p.m.

Yelm Police Department investigated and arrested the student at 12:30 a.m. on Sunday morning.

The student admitted to posting the picture and statement, claiming it was a joke.  Police booked the student into Youth Services.

An increased number of officers patrolled campus on Monday in light of the incident.

"We will always take these reports seriously and appreciate the responsible reporting of our community. We again ask our students, families and our community to use social media for safe and positive communications," Superintendent Brian Wharton said on Monday.

The student was expelled.

In a separate incident on Monday, Tyee High School in SeaTac was locked down after a student brought a gun to school, deputies said. Follow this link to read about the Tyee incident.

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