(PRESS RELEASE – BISHOP POLICE)

Local Youth Helps Bishop Police Foil Possible School Shooting

On the afternoon of August 27, 2014, a 14  year old male resident of Bishop contacted the Police Department regarding information he had received about a possible planned school shooting.

The young man was playing an on-line game through his X-Box.  Players on the game can participate from various locations and have the ability to text or chat with each other during the game. While playing the game, an unidentified juvenile whose location was unknown, sent messages to the local youth, indicating that he was distraught over a break up with his girlfriend.  He went on to say that he was planning to take his father’s 9mm gun to school the next day and target his ex-girlfriend, her new boyfriend and then commit suicide.  The young Bishop resident immediately contacted Police.

Upon learning of the messages and their content, Bishop Police Officer Jared Waasdorp conducted further investigation and interview with the Bishop youth.  Officer Waasdorp was able to ascertain that the subject making the threats possibly lived somewhere in Colorado.  Officer Waasdorp contacted authorities in Colorado, including Investigators from the Colorado Cyber Crimes Task Force.  Officer Waasdorp also contacted Microsoft Corporation and initiated the necessary process to obtain any information that might reveal the identity and location of the subject making the threats.

Utilizing the expertise and assistance of the Colorado Cyber Crimes Task Force in conjunction with the information provided from Microsoft, Officer Waasdorp was able to determine the subject’s identity and location.

Local Authorities in Colorado were notified and made contact with a 14 year old male who admitted to making the threats.  Colorado Authorities also determined that the boy’s father did own a 9mm weapon.  The boy was detained for a mental health evaluation and the investigation is continuing.  Due to the evolving nature of the investigation, further details are being withheld to protect the integrity of the case and the identities of other involved parties.  As information becomes available, we will continue to provide updates as appropriate.

The Bishop Police Department wanted to release the information available at this time to highlight the importance and value of the actions of this local young man.  His recognition of the circumstances and willingness to alert authorities likely averted a tragedy and saved lives.  We hope that his actions would serve as an example to others and encourage them to come forward whenever they have information that helps us protect the public and prevent crimes from happening.