HELD ON $10,000 CASH BOND
An 18-year-old male has been charged with making a terrorist threat upon Platte County R-3 High School in Platte City.
Authorities have identified the suspect as Joshua D. Clark, 18, of Platte City. He is charged with a terrorist threat in the third degree, a misdemeanor.
As of Wednesday morning, he is listed as in custody in the Platte County Jail, with bond set at $10,000 cash only. Conditions for bond will include house arrest and GPS monitoring, no contact with any Platte County schools, no possession of weapons, and a mental health evaluation.
Sgt. Mike Mand said the matter was investigated by the Platte City Police Department, which last week had received information about a threat being made against the high school. Platte City police officers and Platte County R-3 school resource officers increased their presence at the high school on Friday, May 12.
According to court documents that include a probable cause statement by Det. James Tharp of the Platte City Police Department, on Sunday, May 14 witnesses saw Clark at a retail store in Platte City. Clark allegedly asked a witness if she had gone to school on Friday. According to court papers, when the witness indicated that she did, Clark allegedly stated: “You didn’t use me as an excuse not to go?”
Court papers allege further conversation ensued in which Clark allegedly said “What if I would have done it?” The witness says Clark at one point said “Tomorrow’s (Monday) the day.” According to court documents, in an interview with police Clark denied making that statement.
Clark was interviewed by police on Monday, May 15. At the conclusion of the interview he was arrested and placed on a 24 hour investigative hold. On Tuesday, the Platte County Prosecutor’s Office filed the criminal charge.
Police described Clark as “a former student” at the school.