This story was updated at 3:44pm on 11/18
Prineville, Ore. — A suspect with a well-known history of behavioral health concerns was arrested for an outstanding warrant in Prineville after a social media threat included coordinates to a local elementary school and prompted increased security measures at Crook County School District.
The Prineville Police Department and Crook County Sheriff’s Office responded to a ‘vague’ threat reported via social media at about 8:30 AM. The post was erratic and confusing in nature, but it included the exact GPS coordinates of Crooked River Elementary. The individual involved was known to law enforcement and has a history of behavioral health concerns.
Throughout the morning, law enforcement acted on multiple tips to locate the individual connected to the threat, resulting in a noticeable police presence around town. The suspect was eventually located at about 1:17 PM on Paulina Highway and taken into custody on an outstanding arrest warrant without incident.
The suspect does not face any charges related to the social post, which didn’t include a direct written threat, but did have the GPS coordinates of Crooked River Elementary. Vague threats can be hard to charge and prosecute because they lack the specific intent and imminence required for a “true threat”. The First Amendment also protects most speech and makes it even harder to prosecute social media posts.
Crooked River Elementary School returned to normal operations after the arrest, having been placed on ‘secure’ status earlier. This status ensured that all students remained inside the building, and learning continued as normal.
The Crook County School District increased security presence at all its schools to ensure student safety, despite the threat potentially being intended as a joke.
Many parents expressed frustration on Facebook over the incident, with one user commenting, ‘School massacres typically happen around holidays. This shouldn’t be taken lightly.’
The district expressed gratitude for the swift response and strong support from the Prineville Police Department and the Crook County Sheriff’s Office.
CCSD employs School Resource Officers (SROs) to ensure public safety coverage, with two full-time SROs currently assigned to CCSD and a third officer approved for the 2024-2025 school year. These officers assist school administration in maintaining a safe environment and build meaningful relationships with students and staff.
The district employs interior and exterior video surveillance across all school buildings to identify and review footage related to safety concerns. Access Control Systems manage door access through keycard systems, ensuring secure entry points.
The district conducts regular safety drills and training to prepare students and staff for emergencies, helping to refine emergency response plans and establish a culture of safety.
Mental health and counseling services are provided to support the emotional well-being of students, with certified counselors assigned to each school. The district aims to have additional counselors at Crook County Middle School and Crook County High School by the 2024-2025 school year.
With the suspect in custody, there is no ongoing risk to students, staff, or the public at this time. The community’s safety remains a priority for local law enforcement and the school district.
This story was contributed by our news partners at KTVZ News.
