NHS students charged following threats

Charges have been filed against two juveniles following a Feb. 16 “Safe 2 Tell” report at Niwot High School.

Last month, the Boulder County Sheriff’s Office responded to the report, but the school has been unable to report the incident to district patrons due to the investigation.

Now that charges have been filed, the two students were arrested on Friday, March 16. Since they are both 16, names have not been released.

“Safe 2 Tell” is an anonymous method for students to report suspicious behavior or knowledge of threats made by other students or anyone who may cause harm in the schools.

Both of the students’ school lockers were searched, and investigators also executed search warrants at their homes and on their electronic devices.

The Sheriff’s department worked alongside NHS, the St. Vrain Valley School District and the Longmont Police Department in the investigation, which resulted in the arrest warrants.

The first juvenile male is charged with:

• Interference with an educational institution (Class one misdemeanor)
• 1st degree criminal tampering (Class one misdemeanor)
• 4th degree arson (Class two misdemeanor)
• 2nd degree criminal tampering (Class two misdemeanor)
• Criminal mischief, less than $300 (Class three misdemeanor)

The other juvenile male is charged with:

• 1st degree criminal tampering (Class one misdemeanor)
• Criminal mischief, less than $300 (Class three misdemeanor)

Both defendants surrendered themselves on Friday afternoon and were booked into the Boulder County Juvenile Detention Center. They each have a $1,000 bond and a court order to have no contact with NHS or each other.

“We want to assure our community that we take school threats seriously, and we actively work with our law enforcement partners and the school districts to provide a safe learning and teaching environment for the students and faculty,” Robert Sullenberger, Boulder County Sheriff’s Office Operations Division Chief.

NHS Principal Eric Rauschkolb sent out a letter to school patrons following the announcement from the Sheriff’s department. In part, Rauschkolb had this to say:

“News of threats to the safety and sanctity of our school environments is difficult to process, and it is in these moments that we reflect on all that we are doing to keep our children safe,” Rauschkolb said in the emailed statement. “There is nothing we see as more important than ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in our community. Niwot High and St. Vrain Valley Schools have always prioritized student safety and implemented many security measures, mental health programs, safe reporting tools and other resources to support the continued protection and safety of our schools.

“An additional – and essential – part of our safety programs is making sure that we are all being attentive to any signs that something may be amiss when it comes to safety. If something comes up, or you hear or see something, please do not hesitate to let us know, even if it seems small or inconsequential.

“I want to thank all of our law enforcement and community partners who work tirelessly to support our schools. I especially want to recognize those who came forward and reported their concerns. The best way to ensure the safety of everyone is for everyone to understand the role they have in keeping our community safe.”