HUTCHINSON, Kan. — A 15-year-old Hutchinson High School student faces two counts of criminal threat after police investigated a TikTok account tied to a national social media trend.
The Hutchinson Police Department said officers and Hutchinson High School officials became aware Aug. 31 of a TikTok trend commonly referred to as “Cat in the Hat,” in which users post ominous threats directed toward students.
During the investigation, police determined a TikTok account referencing the trend had been created for the Hutchinson area.
Investigators identified the creator as a 15-year-old Hutchinson High School student. Police said the juvenile faces two counts of criminal threat.
“Threats of any nature are taken seriously by the Hutchinson Police Department and Hutchinson High School,” police said in the release. “Regardless of whether a post is intended as a joke, it is unlawful to cause others, particularly students, to fear for their safety.”
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2816, Crime Stoppers of Reno County at 800-222-TIPS, a local law enforcement agency or submit information through the P3 Tips app.