Update 12:45 p.m.: The lockout at South High School has been lifted. Denver Police have located the student in question. No additional details were immediately given. Our original story continues below.
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South High School in Denver is on lockout again Friday while police look for a teenager who they say made a threat against the school.
Denver Police are investigating a tip submitted to an online reporting system, Safe2Tell, South Principal Bobby Thomas said in a letter to families Thursday.
Thomas said the student, identified as a male under the age of 18, is a runaway.
“While Denver Police continue to investigate this matter and attempt to locate the student, we will continue to take all steps necessary to ensure that the South community is safe and protected,” Thomas said in the letter. “Our officers have a heightened concern for the safety of our school community, as well for this individual student.”
He also said he is committed to keeping the school open.
Denver Police sent out a statewide alert for the student. All law enforcement agencies are actively looking for him and can arrest him based on an outstanding warrant, Thomas said. It is unclear what that warrant is connected to.
Denver Police Department spokesman Sonny Jackson confirmed police are looking for a juvenile in connection with the threats made against the school and have informed other police agencies. He did not give other information.
The school said a lockout means students will remain inside the building until the end of the school day. Parents will not be permitted to sign out their student at midday. Denver Police and Denver Public Schools security will also provide an increased officer presence at the school Friday.
“This is in effort to increase safety throughout the day by reducing disruptions,” Thomas said. “Please understand that while learning is vital, we want students and staff to feel supported and safe while this investigation continues. I know the events of this week have been very challenging.”
Some exams are being postponed and the school is providing mental health counselors for students.
The lockout comes after police say two teenagers shot and killed one student and injured eight others Tuesday at the STEM School Highlands Ranch in suburban Denver. South High School was on lockdown Wednesday and Thursday as well.
Denverite’s Esteban Hernandez contributed to this report.
