8:00pm 4/16/24 Investigation Update, Resolution
Through our investigation into recent emailed threats, sent to Canyon Park Middle School and Westhill Elementary School, detectives with the Bothell Police Department located and contacted one person of interest, a minor, and took one cell phone and two additional devices (tablets) into evidence.
In the presence of the parents, the minor confessed, and accepts responsibility for all of the recent emailed threats to Canyon Park Middle School and Westhill Elementary.
Investigators have concluded the minor did not intend to carry out the threats or harm anyone.
Our investigators are working with the young person, their family, and the school district to bring these cases to a close. As part of standard procedure, Bothell Police will not release further information about the minor involved.
As school and school activities fully resume, Bothell Police will continue to work closely with the the Northshore School District to ensure we're doing everything possible to help students, families, and staff members feel safe.
We continue to ask all community members to call 911 in an emergency and to report suspicious activity.
We would also encourage community members to review NSD's safety and security information, which can help students and families feel safe and empowered to make a positive difference.
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Original Investigation Post 4/15/24:
The Bothell Police Department is currently investigating recent emailed threats, sent to Canyon Park Middle School and to Westhill Elementary School.
This is an active investigation, and the Bothell Police Department takes all threats seriously. However, at this time, there is no evidence to indicate these were credible threats.
While we cannot disclose details of the investigation, detectives have obtained search warrants and have made significant progress.
We are working closely with the Northshore School District as our investigation continues, and to provide any support needed to help families, staff members and students feel safe. In support of the investigation, students may notice an increased officer presence on or near school campuses.
People with information can call the non-emergency number (425)577-5656. Please refer to case #24-7421 (Canyon Park Middle School), #24-7558 (Westhill Elementary).
To report an emergency, please call 911.
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Investigation Update: 4:30pm 4/16/24:
Investigators are working to follow up tips, including investigating potential persons of interest. We cannot, at this time, share any additional information about persons of interest.
Digital evidence obtained by investigators indicates that these threats are likely connected. There is no evidence to indicate that any of the threats are credible.
Investigators have obtained multiple search warrants needed to gather additional evidence, and to connect digital evidence to actual locations.
Search warrants are typically sufficient to gain the cooperation of any involved technology/telecommunication companies. Unfortunately, in this case, investigators are still waiting for full cooperation. We are working with one mobile telecommunications company to try to quickly address any additional questions or concerns they have, to prevent any prolonged delays in our accessing specified, necessary data.
Please be assured, investigators are doing everything they can, within the law, to find the person responsible for the threats as quickly as possible. The Bothell Police Department wants these threats to stop and for students and staff members to feel safe at school.