The latest local news, weather and high school sports from the Heartland

OTTUMWA, IOWA -- UPDATED - Ottumwa high school principal Mark Hanson just released the following statement concerning the bomb threat at OHS. The statement was released through the school district's website

There was a threat posted by a student on Facebook on 4/27/11.  The OHS administration was made aware of the posting and partnered with the Ottumwa Police to take the appropriate measures.  

Please be assured that OHS will continue to work to ensure the safety of all students.  If parents have a concern, please contact Mr. Hanson at Ottumwa High School. 

_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Facebook, lost love and teenagers are a bad combination

A combination that has landed one Ottumwa High School student in jail

On April 28, 2011, the Ottumwa Police Department began an investigation into threats made on Facebook by a student to blow up the Ottumwa High School.  As a result of the investigation, Derick Allen Hendrickson 610 Blake, 18 was charged with Arson--Threats.

Ottumwa Police Chief Jim Clark says that apparently Hendrickson was distraught over losing a girlfriend.

 “Arson – Threats” is a violation of Chapter 712.8 of the Code of Iowa and is a Class ‘D’ Felony.  Hendrickson was transported to the Wapello County Jail with bail set at $5,000.00.

The Ottumwa Police Department takes threats to injure or kill other people seriously, including such threats made on Facebook and other social media.  Citizens who view such threats on social media websites are asked to print off them immediately and to contact the police department.

Hendrickson remained in Jail Thursday afternoon. He could face up to five years in prison.