THIS IS AN ARCHIVED NEWS STORY FROM 2020 AND THE CONTENTS OF THIS ARTICLE MAY NO LONGER APPLY. FOR THE LATEST COMMUNITY NEWS CLICK HERE.

On Feb. 3, Newcastle Police took a report regarding an anonymous voicemail threat to shoot up Risdon Middle School. The threat was left on the school's main office voicemail. NPD officers immediately responded to the school and began their investigation. Officers stayed on school grounds the rest of the day to help ensure the safety of the students and faculty.

During the investigation, it was found that the suspects blocked the number they called from, in an attempt to hide their identities. However, after a thorough investigation requiring multiple search warrants, and communication and cooperation with the Renton School District, NPD was able to identify two suspects that made the call.

The owner of the phone the call was made from is a 14 year old female from Renton. The "main" suspect who actually voiced the threats is a 17 year old male from Everett. 

The female suspect was interviewed and admitted to the phone call and provided the name of the male suspect. The parents of the male suspect were contacted, but he/they declined to give any statements to the police.

Based on the information we have been provided throughout the investigation, there is no immediate or future credible threat to the Renton School District or Risdon Middle School related to this incident. Interviewed witnesses in this case indicated that the calls stemmed from a discussion about not wanting to go to school on Monday, at which point they thought it would be a good idea to call in a shooting threat to one of their schools in order to get the school to shut down for the next day. This, however, is not an acceptable defense to a threat of violence in our community.

We are committed to keeping our community safe and no threat will be ignored. NPD would like to take this opportunity to encourage all parents to talk to your children about the severity of this situation and the possible ramifications on their future if they ever choose to engage in this behavior. The Newcastle Police Department will continue to diligently investigate any crimes of this nature and we will file charges against anyone responsible for attempting to strike fear into our community.

Felony charges are being filed to the King County Juvenile Prosecutor's Office against the suspect.