Teen arrested after alleged threats to junior high

Hungry Horse News

A 14-year-old Columbia Falls male was arrested Monday on intimidation charges based on alleged threats he made towards the Columbia Falls Junior High and the student body, the School District announced in a release Tuesday morning.

This investigation began Saturday morning after the school was notified by concerned parents and students of the alleged threats that were made in school on Friday, May 27.

“Our investigation showed enough evidence to determine there was a real potential for the juvenile to follow through with the threats and although he was not in possession of weapons, there were unsecured firearms in the residence that he could potentially have access to. With assistance of the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office, our officers took the male juvenile into custody and the firearms were seized from the residence via a search warrant,” police said in a release.

Because of the boy’s age, his name was not released. He is no longer in school.

“The juvenile suspect remains in custody and the firearms remain in police custody to ensure the safety of our school and students,” Superintendent Dave Wick said in a letter to parents.

In a separate release from the Columbia Falls Police Department, they said this was an isolated incident.

“We would like to confirm that this was an isolated incident with one individual making the threats and there are no further suspects in this case. To protect the identity of the arrestee and his family, and the integrity of this case, our office will not be providing further investigative details,” Police Chief Clint Peters said.

“The safety of our staff and students is always the highest priority for our schools. We take this responsibility seriously every single day to help our students feel safe and supported. Our buildings have secure entries and doors are locked at all times. Our staff has been trained not only in emergency procedures, but also in trauma informed instruction to assist students who may be suffering from emotional issues. In addition to all of our safety protocols and procedures that we follow, Chief Peters has also increased the presence around our schools to help reassure our students, staff, and families.  We are proud that our students communicated the threat and our local law enforcement for their swift and decisive action that may have prevented a local tragedy,” Wick said in the letter.

The matter is particularly sensitive at this time, after a gunman in Uvalde, Texas entered an elementary school there with an assault rifle and killed 19 students and two teachers.

Anyone who sees suspicious activity near schools in asked to call authorities.

“We tell students if they see something, say something,” Wick said.