Student issues threat to Medical Lake High

An initial social media threat following a basketball game at Medical Lake High School last Thursday night was taken with all seriousness.

But after thorough investigation, school officials, and those with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office determined the post did not pose harm.

High school principal Chris Spring issued an email to parents and an accompanying phone call to apprise them of the situation.

School officials did not feel threatened because of a previous history with the individual so the Sheriff’s Office did not get involved. “From what we could tell there was no safety concern for the staff,” SCSD spokesman Mark Gregory said.

The incident started during the Feb. 1 basketball game against Colville. The student in question was in the MLHS cheering section, accompanied by an adult friend.

“We don’t let adults, no matter what, sit in our student section,” Superintendent, Tim Ames said.

That person was twice asked to move and then finally escorted out of the building. After that occurred, various community members came inside the gym to let school personnel know there were words exchanged between those involved.

When athletics director Justin Blayne went to investigate, both of the people left school property, apparently with their ride.

The student later posted on Facebook with verbal threats aimed at students and then uploaded a pair of music videos with what Ames said contained, “Graphic stuff about killing, blood and that’s where he threatened a staff member.”

Ames said he started receiving phone calls about 11 p.m. But by early morning, the Sheriff’s Office had entered into the investigation. “Great response, they were right on it (and) checked it out,” Ames said.

Things quickly returned to normal and school opened on time Friday.

Ames said he was not at liberty to discuss exact details of what the student will face for punishment, but he was currently not in school.

The Sheriff’s Office was busy Friday dealing with an incident at Riverside High School.

According to a news release, a school resource deputy was notified by school administrators of a potential threat made on social media by a student who reportedly threatened to bring a gun to that school. 

For the safety of the students and staff, Riverside’s high school, middle and elementary schools were placed on modified lockdown. At approximately 1 p.m. Friday, the juvenile was located by members of the U.S. Marshal’s Office and arrested for an unrelated juvenile warrant.

Medical Lake High School Principal Chris Spring issued the following email message regarding the threat:

Dear Students and Families,

We are writing/calling to inform you that there were threats directed toward Medical Lake High School students and staff through social media last night. These threats were made by one of our high school students.

Due to the nature of these threats, the offending student will not be permitted on campus and a full investigation by law enforcement is already underway.

The situation is under control and we will take every necessary precaution moving forward to ensure the safety of our students and staff at Medical Lake High School.

Chris Spring Principal

Paul Delaney can be reached at [email protected].