Teen behind suspicious graffiti at Central High in custody

Pueblo police and Pueblo City Schools have both said a teenager responsible for suspicious graffiti is in custody.

Central High School will be on secured perimeter Friday after someone wrote the word “Columbine” and the date “February 14” on a school building.

The graffiti was discovered on Jan. 30. Police investigated immediately but could not find the person responsible until Thursday. Information released by the district led to a confession according to police.

“As far as lockdown, nothing happened until now because we didn’t have anything credible to believe it was anything other than just some words written on the wall,” said Sgt. Eric Gonzales.

An investigation by the Pueblo Police Department is now underway. Police said they have to talk with the student, his friends and family to determine if there was a legitimate threat against the school. If not, that student will likely be released into the custody of his legal guardians according to police.

The teen could face misdemeanor charges of vandalism if it’s determined that there was no real danger to people at the school.

D-60 called the secured perimeter status for Friday, Feb. 14, a precaution. Security has already been heightened at the school and it will remain heightened on Friday.

The district says it has reviewed safety protocols and procedures, and feels that students and staff are safe, but it’s ultimately up to every parent and guardian to decide whether their child should go to class on Friday.