On Friday, the Cortez Police Department provided an update to the investigation that followed two lockdowns at Montezuma-Cortez High School, saying that there was no threat found to students or staff.
“We believe that all involved parties were contacted, and we found no danger to students or faculty at any time. We appreciate the patience shown by students, parents and citizens as this matter was addressed,” the PD said via Crime Watch.
The PD said the investigation began on Tuesday after reports of a student with a gun, but found “no evidence to substantiate the claims.” The case has been concluded with no criminal charges filed.
“We want to express our gratitude to the various law enforcement agencies, the community, citizens, businesses and the RE-1 school district and staff for their cooperation and support throughout this process,” the PD said. “As always, we want to reemphasize the importance of reporting any suspicious activity immediately for the safety of everyone. If you see something, say something.”
Montezuma-Cortez High School sent students home at 1:09 p.m. Wednesday after a lockdown and required them to walk through the district’s metal detectors before going home. Southwest Open School canceled classes for the remainder of the day at 10:43 a.m.
All after-school activities were called off Wednesday, and according to a text from Human Resources Director Justin Schmitt, classes were canceled Thursday at MCHS and SWOS and will resume Monday.
Superintendent Tom Burris told The Journal on Wednesday evening in a text and phone call that the decision to send students home was made after the district reportedly received information that there were at least four individuals with weapons in the school who were planning a “coordinated assault” at lunch.
These claims have not been verified.
The Journal reached out to the Cortez Police Department about the threat but has not received a response as of Thursday morning.
The district added that they interviewed some students and “potential suspects” before they were allowed to go home. Burris added that no weapons were found as students returned home, but this has also not been verified by the police.
On Thursday, the district sent out a letter to parents, providing more information and next steps for Monday, adding that MCHS is committed to the safety of students and staff. The district said that they have been working closely with law enforcement.
During the check of students leaving the school and the sweep of the school building, there was no sign of any weapons or suspicious items, according to the district.
“Today, law enforcement officials and our custodial staff conducted a thorough sweep of our building to check for any weapons or suspicious items. We are pleased to report that nothing was found,” the release said.
Law enforcement confirmed that the school can resume normal operations on Monday, according to the district. Students considered a potential threat have been suspended.
“Any individuals who may still be under investigation have been suspended while a threat assessment is conducted,” the district said. “The outcomes of this assessment, along with law enforcement's decisions, will guide the next steps regarding those individuals.”
To enhance safety, security measures are being increased. The district said they will be adding sensitivity to the metal detectors, as well as “thoroughly” checking any bags that triggered an alarm.
“We will also hold debriefing meetings with our students throughout the day Monday,” they said.
Law enforcement will have a “greater presence” on campus throughout the next week, as well as extra counseling staff available for students or staff in need of support following the lockdowns.
“Please know that the safety and well-being of your children are our highest priorities. We are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive learning environment,” the district said. “We encourage you to talk to your children about safety procedures and ensure that Alma has up-to-date contact information.”
Montezuma-Cortez High School had been in lockdown status on Tuesday morning, starting at 9:43 a.m. as a precaution while administration and law enforcement investigated “incoming reports.”
This comes after the district announced at 8:47 a.m. Wednesday that MCHS would operate in secure status and at 9:07 a.m. that Southwest Open School in hold status the day after a lockdown was ordered in response to a report of an armed man in the vicinity on Tuesday.
MCHS and SWOS were locked down Tuesday afternoon after reports of an armed man near Walmart. The schools were placed in secure status and hold status on Wednesday as “precautionary measures,” according to the district.
At 11:41 a.m. Tuesday, police received a call saying a person with a gun was in the area near Walmart. At 11:57 a.m., the district sent an alert email saying that MCHS was in lockdown and police were in the area.
At 12:03 p.m. Tuesday, SWOS joined MCHS in lockdown, and the school district reported that suspects were detained by law enforcement. However, the Cortez Police Department said at 12:43 p.m. that officers were still gathering information and security camera footage and contacting witnesses.
At the recommendation of police, MCHS and SWOS moved to secure status. No one was permitted to enter or exit the buildings, but classes continued as normal.
At 1:28 p.m., both schools were given the all-clear from police. The schools resumed regular schedules.
Police said the investigation continues, and no details were available. The Journal also attempted to contact the Colorado Association of School Boards about its recommendations for such a threat but has not received a response.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
