Police: Metea student threatened ‘Columbine’-type attack

A Metea Valley High School student was removed from school Monday after sending text messages to acquaintances indicating he was planning a “Columbine”-type attack on the school, according to Aurora police.

Classmates of the male student who received the texts suggesting an attack would happen Tuesday at school showed the messages to the school’s resource officer, said.

The resource officer pulled the student out of class shortly after, and during an interview, found a knife in his backpack, police said.

The student was taken to a hospital for a psychological evaluation, but police said charges could be filed depending on the outcome of that evaluation.

Police said at least one text message suggested the student had a list of people he “was not happy with,” and another asked how the recipient felt about what happened at Columbine.

“It seemed credible enough to the kids that got the messages that they went to the school resource officer,” Aurora Police Lieutenant Rick Robertson said. “They obviously did the right thing there.”

Aurora Police Chief Greg Thomas described the content of the messages as “more of a taking action” rather than targeting specific students.

Police said the boy’s parents were cooperative and allowed a search of their home and computer.

“He had researched school incidents like Columbine online but didn’t have any means other than the knife to carry it out,” Robertson said.

School officials contacted the Aurora Police Department immediately after being informed of the student who “posed a safety threat,” according to a statement issued by the school.

The school’s principal sent an automated voice message to parents Monday informing them of the threats.

The automated voice message from the principal read:

”It has come to the attention of school administrators that there have been rumors circulating regarding a possible safety threat toward students or staff. I want to reassure you that the Aurora Police Department and school officials have identified the source of the rumors, and have taken the necessary and appropriate steps to ensure the safety of our students and staff. We look forward to seeing you in the morning and please be assured that the safety of our students is always our top priority.”

Officials from the school, at 1801 N. Eola Road, could not be reached for comment.