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Sandra Yi ReportingPolice have arrested a ninth grade student who wrote a threatening message in the girls' bathroom at Pleasant Grove Junior High School.
The girl was arrested at her home today, after interviewing other students at the school. They believe the message was meant to be a joke, but it made school administrators and some parents very nervous.
Capt. Cody Cullimore: "There were very upset parents, a lot of manpower from the police department this morning."
Police say the student wrote threatening graffiti on the girls' bathroom wall yesterday. The message suggested a weapon would be brought to school today.
Mary Chorniak, Parent: “He was pretty scared, especially after he got home yesterday. We talked about it.”
Mary Chorniak came to pick up her son before news of the arrest. She says her worrying had turned to fear; she didn't want to take any chances.
Mary Chorniak: "With everything that goes on, the shootings around the country that were happening, it could happen here."
The school also implemented its safety plan as a precaution. Students could only enter through two doors and they were not allowed to carry backpacks. A school resource officer and extra adult supervisors also watched students.
Jerrilyn Mortensen, Alpine School District Spokesperson: “We take any kind of threat very seriously. That's why the safety plan is in place and that's why we have extra supervision at the school."
This incident comes on the heels of another similar threat, scrawled in the boys’ bathroom at Mountain Ridge Junior High School. Nothing came of those messages. Authorities believe the Pleasant Grove student may have been a copycat and meant no harm. Still, they say what she did cannot be taken lightly.
Capt. Cody Cullimore: "We want all students and parents to know that we take any threat seriously. We have to. We will treat them all seriously."
The district says the girl will be suspended and could face other disciplinary action. As for the school, some safety measures will remain in effect for the week. The district says it's good practice for students.
