Bemidji boy arrested after threats led district to close area schools Wednesday, police say
BEMIDJI, Minn. — A boy is in custody for allegedly making threats that led Bemidji Area Schools to make Wednesday an e-learning day.
Bemidji police say 911 dispatchers were sent multiple text-to-911 messages Tuesday evening containing threats to a specific district school and staff members. Investigators were initially unable to trace the source, leading BPD to recommend district schools be closed Wednesday.
Late Tuesday night, investigators were able to pinpoint the cellphone number to a Bemidji boy after "an extensive search involving several third-party cellular resellers," according to police.
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The boy was arrested on suspicion of making terroristic threats. Police did not disclose his age.
"Bemidji police officers and detectives worked extensively throughout the night and into the early morning hours to ensure the safety of students and staff members of all Bemidji Schools," said BPD Cpt. David LaZella.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Beltrami County Sheriff's Office are assisting in the investigation.
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