Winnipeg police make arrest after death threats made on social media

A 19-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly threatening an under-aged boy on social media.

Winnipeg police said a woman called police on Sunday after discovering the messages sent to her son over a two day span.

Officers describe the messages as “blatant death threats” and in one message, investigators said a picture of the suspect holding an M-16 replica air soft rifle was sent to the victim.

“It was clear to the victim, he isn’t just being threatened but also there were the means to carry it out,” Const. Tammy Skrabek, with the Winnipeg Police Service, said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "It was clear to the victim, he isn't just being threatened but also there were the means to carry it out," Const. Tammy Skrabek, with the Winnipeg Police Service, said.

On Monday, Ryan Matthew Hamm, 19, was arrested and charged with uttering threats to cause death or harm, possession of a weapon and failing to comply with condition recognizance.

Skrabek said the suspect and victim were known to each other through mutual friends and the threats stemmed from a “misunderstanding”.

She said parents worried about their children being threatened should pay close attention to how they are acting.

RELATED: Winnipeg teen charged with sharing intimate pictures online

“If there is a change in your child’s behaviour, inquire,” said Skrabek, noting that is often a tell-tale sign of something being wrong.

“A lot of times threats are coming over social media. Really be aware of what your kids are doing online.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "A lot of times threats are coming over social media. Really be aware of what your kids are doing online."