Harrisonburg Man Arrested on Charge of Posting Online School Vio - NBC29 WVIR Charlottesville, VA News, Sports and Weather

Harrisonburg Police Department Press Release

Harrisonburg, VA – Investigators with the Harrisonburg Police Department have arrested Joshua James Mitri, 24, of Harrisonburg, VA for the posting of an electronic threat to kill at a secondary school.

On October 28, the Harrisonburg Police Department and the FBI began a joint investigation into a threatening message that was posted to the 4chan website. The posting was made on the evening of October 27 and referenced an individual going into a high school to commit a shooting. A specific school was not named. The location of where the posting was generated from was determined to be associated with an address on Emery Street in the City of Harrisonburg. A subsequent search warrant was executed at this address as part of this investigation.

As a result of the search warrant and interviews, Mitri was arrested on the following charge:

- 18.2-60- Threats to commit serious bodily harm to persons on school property. (Felony)

Lt. Chris Rush, Division Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division states, “The coordinated efforts between the Harrisonburg Police Department, the FBI, and the City of Harrisonburg School Division, allowed for a quick and successful investigation, while also maintaining safety and security at our schools with limited interruption of the day to day activities at the school.”

Mitri is not a student of the City of Harrisonburg School system HPD is encouraging anyone in the community who may have additional information on this investigation to contact the Harrisonburg Police Department, Criminal Investigations Division, at 540-437-2640.

Callers are able to remain anonymous by calling Crime Solvers at 540-574-5050. Tipsters may also text “HPD” plus their tip to CRIMES (274637).