Threat that closed Bremerton High traced to New Mexico school

BREMERTON — Bremerton High School was closed Friday as a "precaution" as investigators looked into an online threat. The threat was traced to New Mexico, according to Lt. Randy Plumb of the Bremerton Police Department.

In New Mexico's Valencia County, a Belen High School sophomore was arrested Thursday for posting threats on Snapchat. 

"The suspect used the abbreviation 'bhs,' but that threat was distributed all over social media and caused concerns sounds like for a lot of school districts with the abbreviation BHS," Plumb said. "We learned pretty soon into the investigation it a wasn't a threat directed at Bremerton High School."

Bremerton Superintendent Aaron Leavell said that at least two other districts in Washington state were faced with the same situation regarding the New Mexico threat. Blaine High School also was closed Friday for a threat investigation.

"The timing of the information we received was such that we needed to make a decision very quickly," Leavell said. "While the decision to close a school is never easy, we will always prioritize the safety of our students and staff at the forefront of our decision-making."

Leavell thanked the school community for reporting the information to school officials, even though it turned out to be unfounded.

"As we move forward, continued support and training will be provided so that Bremerton Schools remain safe places," Leavell said in an email statement. "Please help us to continue to encourage your student(s) that if they see something or hear something that is potentially harmful, to say something to an adult, school official, or call 911."

In November, a widely distributed online threat that was taken to be against South Kitsap High School was traced by investigators to Kennewick's Southridge High School.

"It's frustrating for everybody," Plumb said.

The Belen High School student suspected of making the online threat is alleged to have created a false Snapchat account, according to the Valencia County News-Bulletin. The threat, made late Wednesday, said in part, “ATTENTION all bhs (sic) students prepare too (sic) see my wrath tomorrow hahaha you all (expletive) up. I’m going to be the next to go down in history you SCUMS (expletive) all bhs, I dare you to go to school tm (sic) I want to see how many people I can take with me.”

Belen Police Chief Scott Conner said the 16-year-old told police he had no intention of shooting up the school and does not own any weapons, according to the Valencia County News-Bulletin. He reportedly posted the message to see what kind of response he would get from the school and law enforcement.