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Police arrest Garfield HS student accused of threatening classmates

SEATTLE — Police arrested a Garfield High School student last week after they say he threatened to harm his classmates.

The school's principal wrote a letter to parents on Monday, saying the student was arrested on Friday after students reported the threat to administrators.

As first reported by KTTH's Jason Rantz, the police report said the suspect told a classmate he would pull a fire alarm and shoot students behind the school.

When a witness approached a staff member at the school, the staffer “nervously laughed, [and] disregarded the information that was given to her. The staff member didn't document the threat or report it to any other staff member, according to the police report Rantz obtained.

Seattle police are still investigating the threat.

The school is currently on mid-winter break and return on Monday. Teachers and staff will talk with students about safety.

Seattle Public Schools released this statement:

"Student and staff safety is always a priority. We are concerned by and looking into the report that students notified a teacher and that tip wasn't escalated as it should have been. Thankfully, students courageously brought this up again with school leadership.  The principal immediately contacted SPD and the district Safety & Security team per safety protocols. Once SPD arrested the student, they were able to notify families. We are so proud of the students for making sure school leaders received this tip directly. Schools are closed this week for mid-winter break. Next week, with school in session, school leaders will review with staff the process and importance of reporting any threats." 

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