A 14-year-old male student was arrested Tuesday after social media threats were allegedly made at Great Bend Middle School. Great Bend Police Officers were dispatched to GBMS Tuesday morning. On Wednesday morning, police responded to rumors of another threat.
In the second instance, USD 428 public information officer Andrea Bauer said the investigation found it to be “a fabricated attempt to close the school.”
A text from the school district went out to parents at 7:52 a.m. Wednesday:
“There is an increased police presence at GBMS today due to another threat made on social media. School is still in session.”
Soon several parents arrived to remove their students from the school as GBPD officers stood outside the doors and detectives went inside.
Later in the morning, the following message from GBMS Principal Myron Ellegood was emailed to families and to the Great Bend Tribune:
Statement to families
Dear Families,
We want to update you on the situation that occurred earlier today regarding a threat made toward Great Bend Middle School. A thorough investigation by local law enforcement and detectives confirmed that the threat was fabricated in an attempt to disrupt school operations. The images were pulled from the internet and edited to include threatening language.
We understand that many students are aware of this situation and that these images have been circulating among the student body today. To calm student concerns and address the issue, teachers will share a message with all students to inform them of the situation and the results of the investigation. We want to ensure that our students feel safe and informed.
Please know that the safety of our students and staff remains our top priority. While this was a false alarm, we take all threats seriously and will continue to work closely with law enforcement to ensure the ongoing safety of our schools.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact us.
Sincerely,
Myron Ellegood
Principal
Great Bend Middle School
Statement to public
Police Chief Steven Haulmark issued a statement later in the morning:
The Great Bend Police Department would like to inform the public that there is an increased police presence at Great Bend Middle School today. This measure is being taken as part of our commitment to ensure the safety of students, staff, and the community.
We are actively investigating a potential threat involving three students, which was discovered last night. At this time, our investigation has revealed that the threat was made out of malicious intent to disrupt the school day and avoid attending classes. After a thorough review, we have determined that the threat is not credible.
The students involved will be taken into custody, and appropriate actions will be taken. The safety of our students, staff, and community remains our highest priority, and we will continue to take all necessary measures to maintain a safe environment.
We thank the community for their vigilance and cooperation during this time. As the investigation continues, we ask everyone to refrain from spreading misinformation. Further updates will be provided as necessary.
Tuesday morning
On Tuesday at approximately 11:22 a.m., GBPD officers were dispatched to the school regarding threats made to students and staff, Chief Haulmark stated in a news release.
Great Bend USD 428 Superintendent Khris Thexton also issued a statement on Tuesday.
Haulmark reported that GBPD school resource officers, patrol officers and detectives responded to assess and investigate any possible threats made.
“During the investigation, detectives learned a threat was communicated to several students,” Haulmark stated in a news release. “Subsequently, a 14-year-old male student at the school was arrested and information for this case was sent to the Barton County Attorney’s Office.”
The Barton County Sheriff’s Office Media Log for the jail shows a juvenile was booked on Sept. 24 on Barton County District Court case 24-2638 for aggravated criminal threat and interference with a law enforcement officer. The juvenile was then released to Juvenile Services.
Thexton stated, “GBMS staff quickly responded” to “the rumored social media threat at Great Bend Middle School.”
Thexton said students reported a potential threat. After that:
“• GBMS administration partnered with law enforcement to investigate the situation, finding no immediate threat and no weapon on school grounds.
“• The situation is now in the hands of local law enforcement for further review.
“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our students, staff, and law enforcement for their swift actions and concern in responding to this matter. As a community, working together, we all play a role in supporting the safety and well-being of our schools.”
The GBPD noted that its investigation is ongoing. Anyone with further information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120 or Crimestoppers at 620-792-1300 or online at p3tips.com.
