14 and 15 Year Old Arrested in School Threat at Liberal High School

On Wednesday November 20th, the Liberal Police Department concluded an investigation in regard to threats received at the Liberal High School. The threats were found written in one of the stalls in a restroom. They indicated that a school shooting was to take place on Wednesday the 20th.

As a result of these threats, extra police personnel were assigned to the school to prevent possible violence and to determine who made these threats. Numerous interviews were conducted in an attempt to locate the suspects.

A second threat referencing the shooting was received later that day. Investigating officers were able to quickly determine the source of that threat and take him into custody. The 15 year old male was charged with criminal threat.

Further information obtained led to the arrest of a 14 year old male in relation to the original threats made. He will be charged with aggravated criminal threat.

At this time, there is no indication that either suspect had the capability or intent to actually commit a school shooting. No additional people are believed to be involved. Affidavits were forwarded to the Seward County Attorney’s Office for the determination of formal charges.

Although it appears that no shooting was going to take place, all threats of this nature are taken seriously and will result in prosecution.