HUTCHINSON, Kan. – On August 31st, 2026, the Hutchinson Police Department and Hutchinson High School became aware of a national TikTok trend commonly referred to as “Cat in the Hat,” in which users make ominous threats toward students.
During the investigation, officers determined that a TikTok account had been created for our specific area that referenced the “Cat in the Hat” trend. The account creator was identified as a 15-year-old Hutchinson High School student. The juvenile was ultimately charged with two counts of criminal threat.
Threats of any nature are taken seriously by the Hutchinson Police Department and Hutchinson High School. Regardless of whether a post is intended as a joke, it is unlawful to cause others, particularly students, to fear for their safety.
If you have information regarding this incident, please contact the Hutchinson Police Department at 620-694-2816, Crimestoppers of Reno County at 800-222-TIPS, your local law enforcement agency, or use your P3Tips App on your smartphone. Please reference Case #: 2026-35569.
