Update: Suspect that caused the lockdown in custody
Update 10/07/15 7:27 p.m.: The suspect is a 15-year-old male, he was charged with one count of threatening violence at a school and another count of telephone harassment.
He could face further disciplinary action from the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District as well.
Update 10/07/15 6:10 p.m.: The Pocatello/Chubbuck School District and Pocatello Police Department worked in partnership to investigate a threat of harm to a student or students. The threat was posted on social media and was reported to school officials this morning.
The District and Police Department have completed their investigation. A suspect is in custody and is being held in the juvenile detention center.
School officials notified the School Resource Officer, who is an officer with the Pocatello Police Department, and they immediately began investigating the threat. Simultaneously to beginning an investigation the school initiated a controlled access code for the rest of the school day. Every threat is taken very seriously and measures such as controlled access are implemented to keep students safe.
The controlled access has been cleared and Highland will have a normal school day tomorrow. Counselors are available at the school for students who may need additional emotional support.
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Information provided by School District 25.
Original Story: Pocatello Police Department and school district staff have Highland High School under lockdown to address a potential threat.
School district officials and school resource officers are investigating a possible threat at the school after they received an anonymous tip this morning. The caller said they were concerned for the safety of students but did not give a specific reason why.
Posts on both Facebook and Twitter alluded to the threat. A user sent several threatening messages to others saying they would bring a gun to school and “kill all the girls.” School district officials said they can not confirm or deny if this was the reason the school was locked down.
The school is still under a controlled access lockdown at this time. That means school resource officers are limiting access in and out of the school to only the front doors with the help of the police as a precaution. Only students showing a school ID are allowed in or out of the school and any others trying to enter the school must present a valid reason to enter the building.
School officials say the lockdown will stay in place until the police and resource officers complete their investigation.