A 12-year-old boy has been arrested after allegedly saying he planned to “do a recreation of the Columbine shooting” at his Orchard Mesa Middle School in Grand Junction.
Grand Junction police say they found out about the threats on Thursday evening.
“A student at the school told their parent that they were aware of a plan by a fellow student to carry out a school shooting in the coming days,” police said in a news release Friday.
Police say they began working with school officials to notify them of the alleged threats. Officers met with the boy “in the presence of his legal guardian,” police say, ultimately taking the child into custody.
He is accused of felony menacing — a Class 5 felony — and a misdemeanor count of interference with staff, faculty, or students of an education institution.
“The investigation into this incident is still very active and ongoing, with interviews of potential witnesses continuing in the coming days,” the release said. “School was held on a normal schedule today, with additional officers on campus out of an abundance of caution.”
The boy’s name was not released.
Grand Junction police say the student who came forward about the alleged threats should be commended.
“We’re grateful for this studentap courage and willingness to speak up and be an advocate for the safety of students and staff,” the release said. “We encourage all parents and guardians to work towards an open, honest dialog with their kids, so students feel safe disclosing information that needs the intervention of an adult.”
