A former Butler High School student is accused of phoning in a long-distance, indirect threat earlier this month.

Butler Township police charged the 16-year-old boy, who now lives in Port Matilda, Centre County, after they interviewed him Wednesday.

The teenager, who authorities did not identify, is charged in Butler County juvenile court with misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct and harassment.

Police allege the boy twice called the same township business shortly before 9 p.m. April 4 and told employees about a purported shooting that was planned the next day at the high school.

He claimed a friend of his was going to get out of jail, get a gun and “shoot up Butler High tomorrow,” township Police Chief John Hays said Thursday.

The business notified authorities of the suspicious calls, which prompted the police investigation. Police, in turn, contacted the assistant superintendent about 10:10 p.m. and briefed him on what they had learned up to that point.

Police said they believe the boy made the phone call from his home. The teen formerly lived in the Butler area and attended Butler High School “two or three years ago,” Hays said.

The suspect gave the name of his “friend,” a juvenile, who police identified and spoke to before determining that youth was not involved.

Police concluded there was “no credible threat,” Hays said, and notified school officials of their finding.

He said extra school police were called in and township police posted “a car or two” at the school April 5 but classes were not disrupted that day.

Police eventually made arrangements to interview the boy here Wednesday. He was accompanied by his parents and an attorney.

He was described as forthcoming and cooperative during the interview, and he apologized for making the calls.

Hays said police filed the charges after discussing the case with an assistant district attorney.