Updated: Bomb Threat Called into Bethel High School, Student Arrested

According to a police report released at 9:24 a.m. Friday, "a bomb threat was called into Bethel High School (BHS)" Thursday morning.

Police said a "school resource officer" and Bethel detectives assisted in the investigation, and found a juvenile BHS student responsible for making the threat through phone records.

The student, whose name will not released because he/she is a minor, was arrested and charged with threatening in the first degree and breach of peace in the second the degree.

The minor is scheduled to appear in juvenile court. 

Update:

The following letter was sent out by Superintendent Dr. Gary Chesley Friday afternoon:

"This is a follow-up on the bomb threat made at Bethel High by phone on Thursday.  The school administration followed all procedures exactly as outlined in the "Administrative Guidelines for Crisis Management in the Bethel Public Schools."  This manual has been reviewed by the Bethel Police Department. 

Our crisis management procedures are based upon the policies recommended by the FBI and the Bethel Police. They require that any threat be documented regarding date, time, place, tone, dialect of the caller, etc. The procedures also call for notification of the Bethel Police and the Superintendent. The procedures require an assessment of the potential threat to determine if it is credible. That determination is to be made based on the evidence, experience, judgment, etc of the school and police personnel involved. 

In this case, Bethel Police Officer Farina, along with the school administration, had strong reason to believe that the call, made to the attendance tape recorder, was not credible.  However, following the written procedures, they did undertake an inspection of the building.  Please note that the procedures read as follows "... automatic dismissal or fire drill procedures are not standard practice for all bomb threats."  

Bethel Police Detective George Bryce was able to use the recorded message to track the caller back through technology available to the Police Department.  The student who made the threat was apprehended at home at approximately 8:30 p.m.  The student was questioned by the Bethel Police who placed him under arrest later in the evening.  The school administration will also make a recommendation to the Superintendent for possible further disciplinary action. 

The Bethel Schools "Guidelines for Crisis Management" provide step-by-step procedures based upon the best advice of law enforcement.  We will continue to follow that advice, work with local law enforcement in making decisions, and do after-action assessments of any incidents. This informational email is part of the after-action assessment. Our goal is always to maintain the safety of our students and staff."  

Gary M. Chesley, Ed.D.