Social media threats to several Colorado schools prompts police response, investigation

DENVER ( KDVR ) — Several schools across Colorado are either increasing police presence or canceling classes altogether on Monday after reports of several social media threats.

The Vail Police Department said there was a social media post targeting schools across Colorado, and even into Texas. While schools in their area weren’t named in the post, they decided to increase patrol presence at schools like Vail Mountain School and Red Sandstone Elementary.

Meanwhile, Northridge High School in Greeley canceled school before classes started due to a social media post.

Englewood police also responded to reports of a bomb threat at a campus housing three schools and moved students to a nearby school. The situation has since been cleared.

At this time, it’s unclear if any of these threats are connected.

On the Northridge school website, Greeley-Evans School District Superintendent Deirdre Pilch stated that multiple people reported a potential threat on social media. While the school said local and federal law enforcement were investigating, they weren’t able to find the source before classes started.

“Anyone making a threat against a school, even if it is false or meant to be a joke, will face felony criminal charges and serious disciplinary action from the school. Making any threat is VERY serious. We will always pursue criminal charges when this occurs,” Pilch said on the school’s website.

Northridge high said you can help by not sharing posts on social media and reporting them to the local police. Greeley police said in a Facebook post that the department is working with FBI and school law enforcement to “identify the source of the threat.”

Greeley police also thanked social media users who alerted the department of posts and called in.

These threats weren’t just in Colorado. A Texas high school student was arrested on Sunday after the student was accused of making threats against the school.

Northridge’s statement also suggested talking with children about the seriousness of making threats and the possible consequences that could result. The school said those who hear of a threat against a school or a person should call the police immediately at 9-1-1 or call the Safe2Tell line at 1-877-542-SAFE (7233).

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