Police Presence Won't Persist Despite Threatening Message Found in Lahser Bathroom

Chief Kirt Bowden said the department will not continue the increased presence at through the end of the school year in response to a threatening message discovered just before Memorial Day weekend.

Bowden said the message, found inside a stall in a girls' bathroom on May 25 prompted a strong response but is not believed to be credible.

School officials locked the campus down throughout the holiday weekend and additional officers patrolled the school grounds when students returned Tuesday. Citing the ongoing investigation, Bowden would not disclose the message, but said it was not specific and not racially motivated.

He also said investigators have spoken to several students and developed potential suspects.

"We have several suspects in mind, and through our investigation believe we have stopped the situation from going any further," he said, without elaborating. "We don't treat this lightly."

officials also appear appreciative of the prompt response.

"The threatening message found inside a girls' bathroom stall continues to be an open investigation," district spokeswoman Betsy Erikson Brown said in a written statement. "Details of the message cannot be released, but we are satisfied that the precautionary measures put in place effectively and securely ensured the safety of staff and students."

As the end of the school year draws near, Bowden said it's not uncommon for graffiti and student-driven pranks to increase. He issued a stern reminder to students about the possible consequences of crossing over from pranks to actual crimes.

"Just don't do something foolish at the end of the year that will harm your future endeavors, whether it's college or a career. It's not worth it," he said.