UD student charged with making terroristic threats

Credit: Montgomery County Jail

Credit: Montgomery County Jail

UD Public Safety officers at 11:11 a.m. responded to the area of the Marianist Hall dormitory for a possible terroristic threat after someone at 10:57 a.m. posted the following anonymous threat on Yik Yak: “I am going to shoot up this school today at noon. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Marianist First,” according to an affidavit.

Just before noon, a second Yik Yak post from the same person stated: “9 minutes I’ll strike.”

The university contacted the FBI’s Cincinnati Field Office, which was able to identify the person believed to have posted the threat as Hartrich. UD police arrested him about 12:35 p.m. inside his campus residence, the affidavit stated.

“This incident demonstrates the important partnership between the FBI and local police who work together each day to help protect our community,” stated FBI Cincinnati Special Agent in Charge J. William Rivers. “While the FBI provided assistance in this investigation, the University of Dayton Department of Public Safety led this effort and utilized all available resources to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff at UD.”

The FBI has seen an increase in hoax threats to schools and universities, as well as other public buildings in central and southern Ohio, according to a press release. The Cincinnati Field Office noted making a threat via social media, text and email and over the phone can be a federal crime and that the FBI and local law enforcement agencies will continue to investigate all threats seriously.

UD encouraged anyone who witnesses suspicious activity to call UD Public Safety at 937-229-2121 or 911.