14-year-old arrested in threats that closed 3 Renton schools

RENTON, Wash. — A teen who police said made school threats against the Renton School District was arrested Friday.

Three schools are closed after two threats were made within 24 hours.

On Friday morning, the district and Renton Police held a press conference about the arrest of a 14-year-old suspect. He was taken into custody without incident.

“Shortly after 10 this morning, Valley SWAT took a 14-year-old teenager into custody for making threats against Nelsen Middle School and Renton High School. Overnight, our investigators developed information that he is our primary suspect. This morning, they sat outside his home and had probable cause to arrest him,” said Renton Police Communications Manager Meeghan Black.

They said the boy doesn’t go to school in the district but does live near Nelsen Middle School.

Police also mentioned that they’ve had several interactions with the teen in the past. Officers are investigating if anyone else was involved.

The arrest comes a day after Nelsen Middle School went into lockdown after a call was made indicating there was someone on campus with a gun.

Police found no gun, and said it was a prank.

Hours later on Thursday, the district received another round of threats. Just before 11 p.m., parents were informed that classes were canceled at Nelsen Middle School, Renton High, and Renton Academy.

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