Colo. Springs police investigate alleged school shooting threats

The Colorado Springs Police Department is currently investigating an alleged threat made towards schools in the city.

Police said they learned of the situation as early as Wednesday, when they began alerting school resource officers and school security staffs, but did not make the alleged threat public until late Thursday afternoon.

Police spokeswoman Barbara Miller said a third party told them a 27-year-old man referred to the recent Newtown, Conn. shooting in the threat, but did not mention targeting a specific school in the city.

Miller said the lack of a specific target, the man’s denial of making a threat, and lack of proof that he actually made a threat, were factors in not making the situation public immediately. She said the case remains under investigation, and that the man’s identity won’t be released unless he’s charged.

A flier describing the alleged threat was distributed without authorization by unknown people, police said, and included details about the man that police are withholding for now.

Police said they take the threat seriously but also want to avoid blowing it out of proportion.

Analiese Schulzki, a Palmer High School student, said she was unaware of the alleged threat.

“My dad’s a teacher here,” she said. “As far as I know, they haven’t even told teachers yet.”

Another Palmer student, Hannah Graas, believes police acted properly in limiting the release of details about the alleged threat.

“I think it’s best not knowing until (police) know for sure,” said Graas. “Just so people don’t get so paranoid about it.”

If anyone has information about this case please call 719-444-7000; or you may call Pikes Peak Area Crime Stoppers, Inc. at 719-634-STOP (7867). You do not have to give your name and could earn a cash reward.