Merrillville Police have in custody a person of interest connected to threats leveled against Pierce Middle School over the weekend.

The department made the announcement after reassuring the community Monday that it had increased patrols and was stationing unmarked units in strategic areas, according to its social media page. Police said they’d deemed the threat against a school resource officer, principal and security officer “lower level” after preliminary investigation.

“Our dedicated officers, in collaboration with the Merrillville Community School Corporation, have worked swiftly and diligently to investigate these threats and ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community,” the statement read. “For now, please rest assured that our schools are secure, and we look forward to finishing off the school year as we move towards summer.”

The investigation started seemingly after someone posted screenshots of the threat on another social media page dedicated to the town. The person said they’d contacted police after they were sent the messages, which threatened to included a threat to shoot up and bomb the school and listed names. The Post-Tribune isn’t naming them because they’re the victims.

Merrillville Community School Corporation for its part released on its social media page Sunday that the administration was aware of an “altered image circulating on social media, which references Pierce Middle School.”

“While this image originated from an unrelated incident in another state, it was modified to include specific threats against members of our staff,” the release said. “We have a very credible lead on the source of this altered image, and the matter is currently under active investigation.

“Please know that threats of any kind are taken very seriously and carry serious consequences — both within the school system and through law enforcement.”

School wasn’t canceled Monday for Merrillville students, the release said.

Corporation Spokeswoman Tina Davis-Powell said via email Monday that the schools had no further comment at this time.

Michelle L. Quinn is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.