RENTON, Wash. — A 14-year-old suspect is in custody as Renton police investigate threats made to three schools causing a lockdown on Thursday and their closure on Friday.
The Renton Police Department said officers first responded to a phone call at 11 a.m. Thursday regarding Nelsen Middle School. The caller reportedly stated there was someone with a gun in the school.
The middle school was put in lockdown and Renton police searched the building but didn’t find a suspect or weapon. Police said additional callers stated they did not hear gunshots or see a weapon. Officers quickly determined the call was a prank.
The Renton School District alerted parents that three schools would be closed Friday due to threats made online. The three schools closed include Renton High School, Nelsen Middle School and the adjacent campus of Renton Academy.
Renton police said they were made aware of new threats toward the schools Thursday night and that they alerted the school district.
Police said the threats were specific enough that the school district decided to close the schools on Friday. The school district said the closures are “out of an abundance of caution.”
Renton police brought a 14-year-old suspect into custody without incident at around 10 a.m. Friday. Meeghan Black, the communications director for Renton police, said the suspect is known to police. Police said they will also be searching a vehicle in connection with the suspect to search for any weapons.
"Don't do this. It's insanely disruptive. It's heartbreaking. It's terrifying. And this is no way to live in a society. We can't do this. Our kids in our community need to be safe and feel safe. There has to be other ways than to idle threats. It's a weakness. It's cowardly to do this," said Black.
The Renton School District said the closed schools will return to regular hours on Monday.