DA, mayor speak out on Bend HS threat arrest
Deschutes County District Attorney John Hummel and Bend Mayor Casey Roats issued statements Friday after a Marshall High School student was arrested on charges of threatening to shoot Bend Senior High School students.
First, Hummel’s remarks:
” I could not be more proud of our community’s response to the threats made by a local teenager to shoot students at Bend High. The student who became aware of the threats quickly called 911. Bend Police immediately investigated the report and arrested the suspect. Our students are safe because of this swift and certain response.
” The suspect is being held in the Deschutes County juvenile detention facility and your District Attorney’s Office will work with the court to ensure that he is held in a secure facility as long as is necessary to keep our community safe.
” “If you see something – say something” is the culture that has been infused in our local schools. Kudos to all of our parents and school administrators who helped instill this credo, and many thanks to the student who acted on his concern by calling the police.
” Your community leaders will remain ever vigilant in our mission of keeping our children safe so they can thrive and prosper.”
And Mayor Roats’ remarks:
“Last week, the nation was horrified to hear of yet another tragic school shooting. This week, a local teenager was taken into custody after allegedly making threats about his desire to shoot students at a high school. These are events that touch us all.
“I wanted to say how grateful I am to Bend Police for quickly investigating the tip that they received, deeming the threat credible and taking the youth into custody in a matter of a few hours. I am also grateful that Bend-La Pine Schools foster a culture where students are encouraged to say something when they see something.
“We have a wonderful partnership between Police and Schools that provide School Resource Officers in the schools. Following tips from students and parents, Bend Police and School Resource Officers have investigated three threats against our schools in the last 10 days. It gives me hope to know that this teamwork helps to address safety concerns.
“It is my hope that our entire community follow the lead of local students and take a zero-tolerance approach to threats of violence. If you see or hear something that doesn’t seem right, please speak up. Call our non-emergency line at 541-693-6911 at any time, day or night. Also, there’s a local community tip line called Safe Oregon on Firststeporegon.org, which is on the iPads of local students in grades 6 through 12. First Step is made possible thanks to collaboration between the Bend Police Department, Bend-La Pine Schools and other community partners.
“I am grateful to be the Mayor of a beautiful community that values safety and security and to have public safety employees that work and train tirelessly to protect and support our residents. There are good people throughout our community that also share this goal. It’s one thing that can bring us all together and give us a shared focus.
“I hope that you will join me in a personal pledge to ensure the safety and security of our community by reporting any threats of violence to the non-emergency line. As you’ve seen, these reports are taken very seriously and can result in lives saved.”
