On the evening of 3-23-17, a school custodian found a fourth note in a girl’s bathroom at Flagstaff High School. Police and Investigators are continuing to follow up on this case and interviewing staff and students. Flagstaff Unified School District and Flagstaff High School are working closely with police to attempt to identify the person(s) responsible for these threatening notes. The Flagstaff Police Department has increased patrols and security in schools throughout Flagstaff.
On 3-23-17 another statement was written on the wall in the stall of a girl’s bathroom at Thomas Elementary School in Flagstaff. This statement does threaten a school shooting although it does not look similar to the notes at Flagstaff High School. School Staff found this statement written and immediately reported the incident.
On 3-8-17, a student found a note in a boy’s bathroom of Flagstaff High School. This is the first note reported to have been found. It provided a warning indicating there would be a shootout. On 3-9-17 a second note was found in a girl’s bathroom of Flagstaff High School. This note indicated there would be a “Columbine” type incident the next day or sometime in March. On 3- 20-17 a third note was found in a girl’s bathroom of Flagstaff High School. This note alluded to the date of April 20th which is the anniversary of Columbine. On 3-23-17 the fourth note was found by school staff while the building was being cleaned. It mentioned the previous notes.
This incident is under investigation as a crime. According to ARS 13-2911, a person commits interference with or disruption of an educational institution by intentionally, knowingly or recklessly disrupting an educational institution by threatening to cause physical injury to any person at the school, or by threatening to cause damage to the facility or property at the school. These threats are being taken very seriously and investigated as a felony crime.
Police and School Officials are working together to gather information and maintain safety. The Flagstaff Police Department will be providing a high visibility presence at the school for the next several weeks. A School Resource Officer has been assigned to work at Flagstaff High School full time during school hours throughout the next several weeks to enhance school safety. We are asking anyone with information in regard to the individual(s) responsible for the incidents to contact police. Tips provided through Silent Witness which lead to the arrest could provide the caller with up to $2,000.00 for their assistance. Police are encouraging students who have information to come forward. Please call Detective Barreras at (928)679-4055 or Silent Witness at (928)774-6111 if you have information.
Sgt. Cory C. Runge
Flagstaff Police Department
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