Three schools in a small Colorado town were forced to close on Monday after authorities learned of a ‘Columbine-style’ threat being discussed on Snapchat.
Law enforcement officials learned that the threat on the social media application reportedly involved placing explosives around Telluride High School and shooting students on Monday, ABC News reported.
San Miguel County Sheriff spokesperson Susan Lilly told ABC News that one male student was taken into protective custody for allegedly making a threat to place explosives on the campus at the high school.
In addition, the Telluride Marshal’s Department said that at least five other students are being questioned.
‘Even though this is a quiet little ski resort we’re not immune from threats like this,’ Lilly told the Denver Post.
Three schools in Telluride, Colorado were forced to close Monday after authorities learned of a ‘Columbine-style’ threat being discussed on Snapchat. Telluride law enforcement officials searched the town’s high school, junior high school and elementary school Monday (above)
Law enforcement officials learned that the threat reportedly involved placing explosives around Telluride High School and shooting students. Above investigators gather at the high school
The investigation was launched around 3pm on Sunday when a student told a staff member about the possible threat, the Marshal’s Department said.
Staff members then contacted authorities and the male student was then taken into protective custody.
The Marshal’s Department said that both a handgun and a rifle were recovered from inside the student’s home in Telluride, which is located about 330 miles southwest of Denver and has a population of just 2,444 people.
The Telluride superintendent decided to close schools – including Telluride Elementary School, Telluride Middle School and Telluride High School – on Monday ‘to allow for a more thorough investigation,’ the Marshal’s Department said.
Luckily, no explosives were found on Monday. But authorities are reviewing video surveillance and will likely have increased security on campuses when they reopen on Tuesday
Lilly added that roughly 900 students total attend the three schools.
No explosives were found on Monday, Lilly said.
But authorities are reviewing video surveillance and will likely have increased security on campuses when they reopen on Tuesday.
Roughly 18 years ago two students at Columbine High School in Colorado killed 13 people after opening fire on campus.
Any students or parents with information are asked to call the Telluride Marshal’s Office at 970-728-3818.