A reported threat towards two Jefferson County high schools is believed to be a “joke,” school officials said on Tuesday morning.
The principals of Dakota Ridge High School and Columbine High School sent a letter to parents saying a threat of violence was made against the schools via social media.
Law enforcement and Jeffco Public Schools security staff investigated the threat and determined the person in the photo was not the instigator of the threat.
According to a spokesperson with the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, deputies got wind of the report Monday night around 9:45 p.m. and despite no specifics in the Snapchat message, learned the threat was against Dakota Ridge.
No mention of Columbine High was made by law enforcement to 9NEWS, despite the contents of the letter home to parents.
Investigators say another person used the photo, created a threatening caption and sent it out. Law enforcement spoke to the 16-year-old and quickly learned it was meant to be a joke.
That person will likely face criminal charges, school officials and law enforcement said.
“We want to be sure you know we are aware of the concerns, we have taken action, and we will not subject our students to any undue risk,” the letter said.
Schools will proceed normally on Tuesday with additional security on site.
Students can report any safety concerns anonymously using Safe2Tell or at 877-542-7233.
