AI Generated Image Sparks Alarm at Oak Harbor High School

An image created with artificial intelligence that appeared to show a homeless man on Oak Harbor High School campus spread quickly through community social media, generating alarm among parents and residents. The Oak Harbor Police Department issued a statement confirming the image was fabricated, and that there were no incidents or safety concerns at any school campus.

Police and school officials moved quickly. The school resource officer and Oak Harbor Police Department identified the students responsible and the district is addressing the matter administratively. Deputy Chief Kevin Barton and district spokesperson Sarah Foy emphasized the rapid response that contained rumors and prevented disruption. The department urged families to speak with children about responsible use of technology and the consequences of sharing false information online. The department’s full statement is available through the South Whidbey Record link.

The episode tested community trust in a small county where news and concern travel fast. For parents and educators already vigilant about student safety, the false image briefly raised questions about on campus security and the accuracy of information circulating in private groups and public feeds. School leaders and police say those concerns were unfounded in this instance, but the incident highlights broader risks posed by deepfakes and AI generated media in educational settings.

Public health and community wellbeing are implicated beyond immediate safety perceptions. False images that portray people experiencing homelessness in threatening or misleading ways can deepen stigma against an already vulnerable population. In communities like Island County where services are limited and houseless residents face barriers to care, misinformation can distract attention from public health needs and divert scarce resources toward rumor control rather than services. Rapid debunking by police helped limit disruption, but it did not erase the potential for harm to people who are homeless and to trust within the community.

The incident also raises policy and prevention questions for schools and local government. Digital literacy education, clearer guidelines on acceptable use of technology, and consistent protocols for verifying and responding to viral claims can reduce the likelihood that a single image will spark widespread fear. Schools must balance disciplinary approaches for students who misuse technology with restorative practices that teach accountability and empathy. Law enforcement and districts will also need to consider how to communicate more proactively to prevent escalation when false information emerges.

For Island County residents the takeaway is twofold. First, rapid verification by school officials and police can limit disruption and restore accurate information. Second, the community must confront how technology is changing the information environment and how those changes intersect with long standing social inequities. Conversations about responsible technology use, digital literacy in classrooms, and compassionate responses to people experiencing homelessness are part of the public health and social policy work that follows.