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DUCHESNE, Utah, Jan. 11, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — One student is in custody and two others have been detained for questioning after a threat of violence was reported Thursday to the principal at Duchesne High School.
The threat was reported to Principal Stan Young at about 1:40 p.m. by a small group of students whom he described as “obviously stressed” when they came to his office, according to a statement by the Dushesne County Sheriff’s Office.
Young immediately placed the school on lockdown and called Central Dispatch to report the threat. Duchesne Elementary School was also placed on lockdown as a precaution.
Dispatchers broadcast an “active shooter” call at 1:41 p.m., according to Duchesne County Sheriff David Boren. Two deputies were less than two blocks from the high school when the call was broadcast and reached the school in less than two minutes, Boren said.
The deputies entered the school and were met by the principal, who led them to a classroom on the east end of the school. The deputies entered the classroom and took one male juvenile into custody at gunpoint at 1:50 p.m.
“Because this was dispatched as an active shooter call our deputies responded accordingly and appropriately,” Boren said.
One deputy remained with the teen in custody while the other joined additional responding officers in a search of the school. Sheriff’s deputies were assisted by officers from the Roosevelt Police Department, Adult Probation and Parole, and the Utah Highway Patrol.
Information developed during the search led detectives to detain two other male juveniles for questioning, Boren said.
There were no firearms or explosives located during the search.
The lockdown at both schools was lifted at 2:35 p.m. as the bell rang signaling the end of the school day. Students were allowed to go home as scheduled.
All three individuals detained are students at Duchesne High, according to Duchesne County School District Student Services Director Scott Forsyth. The district will have additional counselors on hand Friday at the high school and elementary school for any students or teachers who might need assistance, Forsyth said.
The sheriff’s investigation is ongoing, Boren said, adding that anyone with information about the incident should contact his office at 435-738-2015.
