HAMILTON – We’re learning more about a threat that was made against Stevensville High School.
Ravalli County Sheriff Steve Holton says a 15-year-old male was arrested early Friday after he threatened to bring a firearm to the Stevensville High School.
Sheriff Holton added the threats occurred via text messaging during the night hours and away from the school. Another juvenile became aware of the messages and informed adults who contacted authorities.
The juvenile suspect was taken into custody on an intimidation charge but Sheriff Holton says he does not pose a threat to students or the Stevensville community.
The investigation has shown that the juvenile in custody is the sole suspect in the incident and there is no reason to believe anyone else is involved.
Sheriff Holton credited the quick phone calls to law enforcement, and thanked the people responsible for bringing the messages to the attention of adults.
“This is not the first incident in Ravalli County where our kids do the right thing by letting authorities know when a threat is realized,” Sheriff Holton siad.
“Over and over again, our kids and our school districts show us they are invested in their safety and the safety of our schools by bringing the information forward to be investigated before a tragedy occurs,” he added.
Additional law enforcement from the Stevensville Police Department and Ravalli County Sheriff’s Office will be on school campuses, and parents should know that there is no continued threat to the community from this incident.
Sheriff Holton encouraged anyone with information about potentially violent or dangerous situations to contact the Ravalli County 911 Center at (406) 363-3033.
