An 18-year-old has been charged following an investigation into threats made against the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts online. Buffalo Police announced the arrest of Matthew Valdiva Merced after school administrators were alerted to a threatening social media post by concerned students on Friday.
According to police, the Threat Management Unit initiated an investigation upon receiving reports of the post. Their efforts led to the identification of Merced as the individual responsible. He was apprehended on the 200 block of Plymouth Avenue where officers also recovered a Taurus G2C handgun. It is believed the gun was going to be used if his threat was carried out.
Merced now faces several charges including one count of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon, one count of third-degree criminal possession of a weapon and one count of making a threat of mass harm.
In light of another incident of threats of mass harm in the community over the last two months, Buffalo Police are urging the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious comments or activities at (716) 847-2255.
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