A perceived threat of violence against Wayland Union Schools was thwarted before it could be taken seriously Wednesday morning, according to authorities.

Sheriff Frank Baker, in a prepared statement, said, “This morning, around 6:30 a.m., deputies and detectives with the sheriff’s office, along with the Wayland Police Department, investigated a perceived school threat. The suspect, who is a juvenile, utilized social media approximately 10 hours earlier to post a photo depicting a weapon along with a concerning statement regarding attending school. The threat was not specific in nature and did not specify any certain school; though the focus of the investigation was placed on the school the juvenile attends.

“School officials were notified as the on-going investigation determined that the juvenile did not have access to a functioning firearm. Wayland Union Schools notified students and families regarding the threat as measures to assure school safety were put in place.

“The investigation, which continues to be on-going, concluded that no threat exists and normal activities could occur as scheduled. The investigation and details will be provided to the Allegan County Prosecutor’s Office for review.”

It was reported the juvenile was apprehended and appropriate authorities are handling the matter.