As the Great Bend Police Department followed up on social media threats reported Tuesday and Wednesday mornings at Great Bend Middle School, another social media threat was reported directly to the GBPD Wednesday evening, USD 428 Superintendent Khris Thexton said.
Thexton issued a new statement to families Wednesday night, stating, “GBPD has investigated the threat fully and found it is not true.”
By Thursday, student were hearing rumors of threat aimed at Great Bend High School. The superintendent also issued a statement about that, stressing, . “We want to be clear: there has been no threat made to GBHS at this time.”
In the earlier statement Thexton wrote, “The post/threat originated from out of state, did not reference any specific information about our district or schools, and was reposted by a Great Bend student. We are relieved to report that law enforcement officers determined this threat poses no danger to our students. It’s also an important reminder to never ‘share’ a threat on social media. Instead, take a screenshot and report it to the police or school officials.
“We believe this instance is part of the nation-wide trend of anonymous threats that have affected numerous schools across Kansas in recent weeks.
“This information is provided in an effort to keep families informed. Thank you for your continued support.”
In Thursday’s statement, Thexton cautioned the public, including students, against spreading rumors.
“We understand that rumors can be unsettling, and we are aware of the elevated concerns of our students and community. Please be assured that we are investigating all leads thoroughly and in close cooperation with the Great Bend Police Department. The rumors have found no actual evidence that gives us or the Great Bend Police Department cause for concern.”
Police logs show that GBPD received multiple calls from Great Bend Middle School concerning possible threats on Wednesday, including one about a message on Snap Chat. A call from GBMS at 5:46 p.m. requested a welfare check on a juvenile. Police also received a call with a follow-up report on criminal threats at 10:17 p.m.
As previously reported, Police Chief Steve Haulmark issued a news release on Wednesday, saying the earlier threats were not credible but the students involved would be taken into custody. The Barton County Sheriff’s Office shows three juveniles were booked at the Barton County Jail on Wednesday, on charges of aggravated criminal threat. Two were also charged with interference with law enforcement. They were released for transport to juvenile facilities, with at least one sent specifically to Reno County Youth Services.
That brings the total number of juveniles arrested in these incidents to four, including a 14-year-old male who was arrested on Tuesday on charges of aggravated criminal threat and interference with a law enforcement officer. He was released to juvenile services.
