Police lockdown Columbia Falls High School after parent threatens suicide

The Columbia Falls High School went on a lockdown after a parent was swearing at high school staff over the phone Tuesday morning.

According to a release by the Columbia Falls Police Department, about 8 a.m. “an extremely irritated parent had been using profanity with the school staff over the phone. When the school resource officer arrived at the school, the parent again called and continued to be irate on the phone confirming the earlier call by the school. The parent stated he was going to come to the high school to speak with the principal in person. Our officer remained on at the school to ensure the meeting took place in a peaceful manner.”

A short time later, police learned the man may have been suicidal.

“With the potential of a suicidal, and upset individual arriving at the school, the decision was made to put the high school on soft lockdown. Additional Columbia Falls Police Department officers were dispersed to the High School and other school zones within the district as a precaution as well. During the initial investigation, there was information that the parent may have ideations of suicide by cop,” Police Chief Clint Peters said in a release. “Phone contact was made with the parent and the parent agreed to seek treatment for the suicidal thoughts, and never was in fact en route to the school for any reason other than to discuss the issues between the school and his child. Officers escorted the parent to a medical facility where he is receiving the proper medical care.”

In retrospect, Peters said the parent never actually threatened the school, staff, or law enforcement. No charges will be file d in the case.

“Our department does not take the fact that your children had to endure a lockdown procedure, lightly. We understand that these moments can sometimes be traumatic because of national events. However, we want to take every precaution to protect the students and staff within our community and act accordingly even when a threat cannot be directly confirmed. Because this is a mental health issue, the individual’s name will not be released,” Peters said in the release.

Montana Highway Patrol and Whitefish Police also assisted in the matter.