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Marshal's office investigating rumors, possible threat at BHS
12/17/2012 By: Times staff report
Bayfield schools and Bayfield law enforcement continue to investigate rumors about guns in school and the predictions of the Mayan calendar that were made at Bayfield High School.
The rumors were reported to the Bayfield Marshal’s office on Wednesday, Dec. 12.
The Bayfield Marshal’s Office has conducted numerous interviews with students, parents, teachers and administrators since being informed of this incident, police said in a press release on Tuesday night.
"So far, there has been no credible evidence that any threat of violence was made," the statement said. "However, law enforcement and the school district take these matters very seriously and will continue to follow any lead that becomes available no matter how vague or perceived. Since this is an ongoing investigation, and because minors are involved, we will not provide names of any individuals contacted during this investigation."
In a press conference on Monday, Superintendent Troy Zabel said no arrests have been made, and so far, no one has been suspended from school for the alleged threats.
At this time the threats are unsubstantiated and law enforcement officials will continue to closely monitor the situation.
"Bayfield School District takes the safety of our school community seriously and security on all of our campuses has been increased. Further briefings and media releases will be provided as information becomes available. We will continue to update the school’s website regularly."
School has continued this week, with some offices requiring visitors to call before they can enter the building. Marshal's deputies have been in every school building this week.
"Even though we have had no credible threat of violence, we will continue with the increased security at all of our sites for the safety of our students, staff and community," the superintendent and marshal said in a press release Tuesday.
Article from Monday, Dec. 17:
A threat of violence during the alleged end of the world on Dec. 21 has BHS on a state of "heightened awareness" this week, school and police said.
"We are following up on a threat that has been made to the school," Bayfield Marshal Joe McIntyre said on Monday morning. "We are doing interviews with students, students' parents, the principal and superintendent."
BHS Principal Scott Story said a deputy is in the high school this morning, "just as a precautionary measure." The school is not on a lockdown, he added.
McIntyre said some tips from students have been coming in on the Safe 2 Tell line, which is administered by the Colorado Department of Public Safety. It allows students to anonymously report any threats or acts of bullying statewide.
McIntyre said the initial information was coming from the high school, but later discussions have included the middle school and elementary schools as well.
"There is extra security around the schools," McIntyre said. "Obviously, the unfortunate incident in Connecticut has raised our awareness level."
No arrests have been made, according to both McIntyre and Principal Story.
Parents of middle school students were e-mailed the following note on Friday from interim Principal Karen Lunceford:
"Over the last couple of days there have been reports of possible incidents at Bayfield schools that are planned for next week. We are currently working with law enforcement to follow any credible leads that we uncover in the investigation and add extra security measures as a precaution. We will have more information available as our investigation continues. For now, we want everyone to understand we are working diligently to make certain all students and staff at Bayfield Schools are safe. Please contact me if you have questions or concerns."
Story said another update will be released Monday afternoon.
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