October 2, 2023 |
Photo – Yellow School Bus – Bigfoot99 file photo
A threat by a Rawlins Elementary School student prompts an investigation from the city police department.
Friday morning, parents of Rawlins Elementary School students received an email from Carbon County School District One Deputy Superintendent Tanya Wall stating an incident had occurred on a school bus.
In her email, Wall said, “This morning we had a report of a possible weapon on a bus. The driver immediately took precautions and followed safety protocols. Rawlins Police Department were alerted to the incident and responded immediately to the site. “
No weapon was found in the resulting search. Officials also downgraded the original report of a threat. The school administration, working together with the transportation department, are continuing to monitor the situation to ensure that all students are safe. District 1 officials released a statement saying that they “would like to acknowledge our students that reported their concern. It is very important to report any concern so that it can be addressed immediately. Please continue to talk with your child about the importance of reporting any situation that makes them uncomfortable.”
Speaking to Bigfoot99 on Friday, Rawlins Police Chief Mike Ward explained the incident. Chief Ward said the child didn’t actually have a weapon.
Chief Ward said multiple officers from the Rawlins Police Department, including CCSD1 school resource officer Amber Yardley, investigated the incident. The police chief said the child’s threat was not found to be credible.
Chief Ward said the elementary school student who received the threat immediately reported it to school administrators. The police chief said he is very proud of the student for their quick thinking and bravery.
Chief Ward said police met with the family of the student named in the incident to ensure that the individual did not have access to a weapon.
Since no actual crime was determined to have been committed, Chief Ward said any disciplinary action will be up to the school.
Chief Ward said law enforcement must take every threat seriously. No names or other information will be released since all parties involved are minors.
