Police Department Responds to School Threat Investigation

Local law enforcement responded quickly Friday, December 19, after received information regarding a possible threat made involving a local school.

According to a press release from Ulysses Police Chief Ron Vagher, officials here were notified at approximately 9:59 a.m., regarding the incident.

"Ulysses Police Department along with Grant County Sheriff’s Department received information from a Kansas Bureau of Investigation analyst indicating a potential threat made toward a local school," Vagher said. "The threat was identified as originating from an individual while participating in an online gaming platform and located in Ulysses."

Officials wasted no time in responding to the information.

"Upon receiving this information, law enforcement immediately notified school officials," Vagher said. "As a precautionary measure, all USD 214 school buildings were placed into lockdown status to ensure the safety of students and staff while the threat was assessed."

A suspect was identified in the alleged incident, according to Vagher.

"Through a coordinated and expedited investigation, officers identified a suspect connected to the threat," he said. "The individual was located, interviewed, and taken into custody at approximately 11:16 a.m."

According to Vagher, they determined through their investigation that only one individual was responsible for making the threat.

"There is no indication of additional suspects at this time," Vagher said.

USD214 School officials were kept informed throughout the incident, according to Vagher, and "lockdown measures were lifted once it was determined there was no ongoing threat to the school community".

"The Ulysses Police Department takes all threats to schools seriously and appreciate the cooperation of the Grant County Sheriff’s Department, school administrators, students, parents, and staff during this incident," Vagher said.

According to Vagher, the identity of the suspect is not being released at this time pending formal charges being filed with Grant County Attorney’s Office.