BERWICK, La. — Four juveniles have been arrested following an investigation by the Berwick Police Department into social media posts connected to a nationwide TikTok trend involving “Cat in the Hat” themed threats.
According to Berwick Police, investigators began looking into the online trend Sunday after learning that local social media accounts and students may have been involved.
Police said investigators identified several TikTok accounts connected to the posts and began interviewing individuals after the content caused concern among parents, students, school officials and residents across the Tri-City area.
As a result of the investigation, four female juveniles were arrested.
A 15-year-old female was arrested on a charge of Terrorizing/Menacing.
A 13-year-old female was arrested on a charge of Terrorizing/Menacing.
A 14-year-old female was arrested on a charge of Cyberbullying.
A second 14-year-old female was arrested on a charge of Terrorizing/Menacing.
Because those arrested are juveniles, their identities were not released.
Berwick Police Chief J.P. Henry said the department will continue to treat threats involving schools and children seriously, regardless of whether they are intended as jokes or are connected to an online trend.
Henry said social media posts of this nature can create widespread fear, disrupt schools and require a significant law-enforcement response.
“Once you hit POST, you do not get to decide how seriously law enforcement takes it,” Henry said.
The chief also encouraged parents to talk with their children about their online activity, including the accounts they use, what they post and who they communicate with.
“Every choice you make has a consequence,” Henry said. “Think before you post.”
The Berwick Police Department said it will continue working with schools and the community to investigate threats made in person, through social media or as part of online trends.
