News Release

GOSHEN — Andre B. Smith, 18, pled guilty to the Level 6 felony of intimidation against Goshen Community Schools Wednesday, Feb. 12. Police arrested the Goshen man after threats on social media went viral Wednesday, Sept. 18.

Andre B. Smith

According to police, information about the threat was received around 12:16 a.m. A Facebook account named “Anonymous,” listed as residing in Goshen, had a post shared to the Nosey Neighbors of Michiana Facebook page.

“Goshen high school students be ready,” the post read, with three gun and purple devil emojis each.

Underneath the post, Anonymous commented “My friend will take care of GPD also be ready boys in blue.”

A search warrant of the account revealed the user’s GPS coordinates near Winchester Trails in Goshen, matching the post’s IP address. A Comcast internet bill and the account’s birth date matched the resident of a home in the 100 block of the trails, identified as Smith.

Elkhart County SWAT searched the home and detained Smith 4:54 a.m. that morning, taking him in for questioning.

Smith told officers the account and post were made to scare others, later deleting the account, according to the probable cause affidavit. Reportedly, Smith told police he had a history of depression and mental illness and that he wanted to scare those who were mean to other people.

Police report the investigation is ongoing, but they think Smith acted alone and no indication of weapons were found in the search of Smith’s home.

The threat put Goshen Community Schools on high alert, with parents being notified early in the morning after the post. Goshen High reported only 21% school attendance that day.

Smith pleaded guilty on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Sentencing is scheduled to occur Wednesday, March 12.