No safety concern at Glenwood Springs High School after student threat, police say

A student’s alleged threat of violence at Glenwood Springs High School Tuesday was a serious matter and fellow students acted appropriately in reporting it, but the threat itself was not believed to be credible, police say.

In the meantime, there’s no reason to believe students and staff at the school are in any danger, Police Chief Terry Wilson said this afternoon after the student in question was interviewed by police.

Whether any charges against the teen result is still a matter of further investigation, Wilson said.

“Our early feeling and inclination is that this was not a credible or intended threat, but we are still investigating so we can make a determination,” he said.

The incident involved two students who were overheard by other students talking about violent acts and the words “school” and “shooting” were used.

“Some other students heard this, and very appropriately reported it. That was the right thing to do,” Wilson said.

“At this point, we don’t believe it was used in a context that implies intent,” he said. “I feel very comfortable saying there is not any threat to the students or staff at the high school at this time.”

School officials learned of the alleged threat later in the evening Tuesday when the student concerns were reported to police.

“Upon learning of the situation, we immediately responded to the threat and reached out to both the police and the student’s parents,” GSHS Principal Paul Freeman said in a letter that was emailed to parents and copied to the Post Independent.

The student in question was not allowed on school premises today. School officials were not immediately available for comment on whether the student has or will be suspended.

“We know that situations like this are frightening for parents and students alike, and we want you to know that the safety of students and staff is our first priority,” Freeman said in the parent letter.