The Marysville Division of Police served a search warrant at 616 E. Sixth Street Wednesday related to a photo posted on social media, shown above, that appeared to threaten officers. The suspects, pictured below in additional photos posted on social media, could face charges of aggravated menacing and improper handling of a firearm.
(Photos submitted)
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Officials from the Marysville Division of Police are warning residents of the real consequences for actions taken online.
“The acts or things you do on social media, whether actually a threat or a joke, they have repercussions,” said MPD Chief Tony Brooks.
MPD served a search warrant related to an aggravated menacing and improper handling of a firearm incident at 616 E. Sixth Street at approximately 3:45 p.m. Wednesday.
Suspects are believed to have aimed a handgun at an officer Tuesday, without the officer’s knowledge, and later posted it on social media, according to a release from the police department.
Brooks said the suspect who took the photo was inside the residence on East Sixth Street when he aimed the gun. The photo was framed so that the gun appears to target officers visible outside, through the window of the home.
Brooks said two individuals are believed to be involved – a 17-year-old who was located at the residence when the search warrant was served and an 18-year-old.
The names of the suspects were not released by MPD, as the “main suspect” is a minor and neither individual has been charged at the time, Brooks said.
The Chief added that the photo was not sent to MPD or an officer as a direct threat but posted on social media.
“Fortunately, citizens saw the photo and had concern and forwarded it to us,” Brooks said.
He said he does not feel as though there is an ongoing threat to Marysville officers related to the incident.
Still, Brooks said any threats to the police department – online or otherwise – must be taken seriously.
“There is always a threat or a hint of danger in the job we do,” Brooks said. “I don’t know what was in (the suspect’s) mind at the time… but I always tell our guys, don’t be paranoid but be cautious.”
He said situations such as the one Tuesday “force us to respond.”
Though no charges have been filed at the time, Brooks said the suspects could face charges of aggravated menacing and improper handling of a firearm.
He noted that Ohio law requires individuals to be 21 years or older to possess a handgun.
The case is currently under further investigation by the Marysville Division of Police. Brooks said any other charges would come once the investigation is completed and sent to the prosecutor’s office.