The Anchorage School District and the Anchorage Police Department say a 15-year-old East High School student has been arrested and charged with terroristic threatening after he bragged about possibly shooting someone at the school.
APD spokesperson Anita Shell says the comments were relayed by people with whom the student was playing a video game.
“The student, a 15 year old male, was playing on-line video games with two other people from out of state,” Shell said in a Friday statement. “At some point, the Anchorage teen made a general statement about possible plans for a school shooting. One of the on-line youth told his parents who, in turn, called the school principal and relayed their concerns.”
In an automated phone message to students’ parents (MP3), East High principal Mike Graham says the student's remarks were made to another student.
“An East High student had told another student about potential plans for a shooting at our school,” Graham said. “Although no specific threat was made, the people who heard the information told a trusted adult.”
East High's staff and APD school resource officers were subsequently alerted to the allegations, launching an investigation that led to the student's arrest. He has also been placed on emergency suspension pending expulsion by ASD, and is being held at the McLaughlin Youth Center.
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A full transcript of East High School principal Mike Graham's phone message on the incident follows:
Hello, this is Michael Graham, the principal of East High School, calling with an important message. Yesterday, we received information regarding a safety threat at our school. An East High student had told another student about potential plans for a shooting at our school. Although no specific threat was made, the student who heard the information told a trusted adult.
When the school received the message, we took the information very seriously and immediately involved our school resource officers. The Anchorage Police Department took immediate action and worked quickly to divert a potentially dangerous situation. Safety of our students and staff remains a top priority here at East High School.
The student involved in the safety threat is currently on emergency suspension pending expulsion by the school board. The student who notified an adult is to be commended for doing the right thing and telling someone about the concerns.
The East High staff and I appreciate your support in keeping our school a safe environment for everyone. Thank you and may everyone have a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
