Investigation continues into WHS bomb threat

WORLAND — The investigation is continuing to try and determine who left a written bomb threat on a restroom stall at Worland High School last month.

Washakie County Sheriff Steve Rakness said deputy and school resource officer Colleen McClain has been “interviewing people and talking to people.” He said she began interviewing people that were seen on surveillance cameras entering the restroom.

Rakness noted that there was “a lot of graffiti” on the restroom stall where the note was found.

The note was discovered about 4 p.m. on Dec. 19. Worland High School was evacuated that day.

The graffiti on the wall included the threat, which stated, “WHS is done.” Rakness said there was also a drawing of a round bomb with a fuse and the date 12-20-18 and time 1:45.

Due to the nature of the threat, district officials used caution on Thursday, Dec. 20, requiring staff and students to enter the school at the start of the day through the rear gym to be checked by explosive-detection dogs. The dogs, as well as law enforcement had searched the school on Wednesday. Law enforcement conducted another search Thursday morning before staff began to arrive.

School dismissed early on Friday as scheduled for Christmas break. Students return to class today.

PUNISHMENT

If the suspect who made the threat is caught the district handbook regarding bomb threats is clear. The handbook states, “No threats of violence will be tolerated. Students shall not make any threats, suggestions, or predictions of violence against any person or group of persons or to the school building - whether made orally, in writing, or via text messages or e-mail. No threat of violence will be considered a joke. Any bomb threat or threats of violence - whether or not made during school hours or on school grounds - shall result in immediate long-term suspension and/or expulsion.

“When a student is suspended from school for making threats, the student may not return to school until he/she has completed a psychiatric evaluation that states, specifically, that he/she is stabilized, not posing a threat to him/her and others at school.

“The school district reserves the right to hold the student responsible for any costs and/or damages incurred by the district because of a threat.”

Any criminal activity will be handled by law enforcement.

A threat made in February 2017 at WHS did result in the juvenile suspect being “adjudicated through juvenile court,” according to Washakie County Attorney John Worrall. Records in juvenile court are not public and no further information is available regarding the 2017 incident.