Teen arrested after threat made against Boulder school
A teenager has been arrested for investigation of alleged threats of violence made against schools in Boulder this week.
On Tuesday, officers received information that a 14-year-old male student “made threats of a school shooting at Casey Middle School during continuation celebrations” this Thursday as well as other possible violent threats, Boulder police said in a news release.
A criminal investigation coordinated with the Boulder Valley School District ensued, and police increased staffing at the school, the release said.
On Wednesday afternoon, detectives, with assistance of the sheriff’s office, executed a search warrant at the suspect’s Superior home, and he was arrested on investigation of inciting destruction of life or property, a felony, and on interference of staff or students of educational institutions, a misdemeanor.
The teen is in custody, and an investigation is ongoing, police said Wednesday evening.
“This type of situation is every parent’s worst nightmare, and we know our community felt this even more profoundly considering what happened in Texas yesterday,” said Deputy Chief of Operations Stephen Redfearn, in the release, alluding to the shooting in Uvalde, Texas, that killed 19 children and two adults at an elementary school. “We take every threat seriously, and our officers and detectives worked overnight with the FBI Denver field office and the district attorney’s office following up on these tips to make this arrest.”
Meanwhile, Denver Public Schools said in a statement that the district’s Department of Safety and Denver police will have “an increased uniformed presence in and around our schools” for the next two weeks and is making mental health professionals available to students. The last day of school is June 3.
“At Denver Public Schools, the safety of our students is of the utmost importance,” the district said in a statement.
Tay Anderson, vice president of the school board, shared a news story on Twitter about the increased police presence at schools, saying he was “disappointed” in the district’s decision.
“The Board of Education was not consulted on this,” Anderson tweeted. “This is not the answer. I am utterly disappointed and shocked on this decision.”