One arrested after alleged threats at OMS
Two young people were detained – and one charged – after authorities say at least one of them made threats outside Owatonna Middle School (OMS).
According to a statement sent to parents in District 761, three teenagers who are not students at the school were found on the campus at around 10 a.m. on June 2. They were outside when confronted by OMS staff members. Before running away, they were reportedly overheard making threatening comments.
Two of the students were released; the third remained in custody, with charges referred to the Steele County Attorney’s Office, said Capt. Josh Sorensen of the Owatonna Police Department.
The school did not initiate a lockdown; school resource officers handled the incident, Sorensen said.
The email to parents said the three “caused disruptions” and were apprehended by Owatonna Police officers. The alleged threats were overheard by students in physical education classes held outside.
“We take all threats seriously, and even though these individuals were apprehended, we have taken extra precautions at OMS today,” the statement says. “There is additional police presence at the school and additional administrators are on site as well. We will continue to prioritize the safety of all of our students on this last day of classes.”
No injuries were reported.
Sorensen said routine patrols are often “extra-heavy during the last part of the school year”; extra patrols were made after Thursday’s incident.