A juvenile student has been arrested in Rush County for creating a false rumor about a student bringing a gun to school.

The allegation, which the Rush County Sheriff’s Department said “had no foundation in reality,” led to about half of the students being absent Tuesday at Rushville Consolidated High School and Benjamin Rush Middle School.

The rumor was posted by one student and named another student as the one responsible for the alleged gun. It stated that there would be "bloodshed on Tuesday.”

School personnel and local law enforcement took the threat seriously and investigated. They found that the student who was the alleged person in the false rumor, and the student’s family, were subjected to harassment in various forms. The Rush County Sheriff’s Department says the student and family were cooperative and understanding throughout the investigation.

The arrested student is a juvenile and will not be identified. The student will face criminal charges.

“The safety of our community and our schools is of the utmost importance. False rumors of a school shooting are not only irresponsible, but they are also illegal,” said Sheriff Alan Rice. “We will not tolerate this kind of behavior. We will take all necessary steps to ensure our schools remain safe and secure.”