On Friday morning, March 29, a student at Cottonwood Community School alerted teachers of a possible gun in the possession of another student. The school was quickly placed on lockdown, as six officers from the Cottonwood Police Department came to the school. The officers searched the classrooms and assisted administration, but were unable to verify the student’s claim.
“No weapons or anything were found,” Sgt. Monica Kuhlt of the CPD said. “No one was put in harm’s way or injured.”
“The school went into lockdown, the officers arrived on scene, and then they conducted a thorough search, where they went through any of the classrooms,” Kuhlt said. “Once they cleared everything and made sure everything was OK, they stayed on scene while school administrators conducted searches of students and backpacks.”
Officer Roger Scarim of the CPD will remain on CCS’ campus for the remainder of the day.
COCSD Business Director David Snyder praised the CPD’s response to the threat.
“It was excellent,” Snyder said. “The police did a great job. We were able to move through the campus quickly. We had it secured in a reasonable amount of time, and it didn’t disrupt the students’ day that much.”
Classes resumed as normal for the afternoon.
COCSD Executive Assistant to the Superintendent Tricia Winters sent the following message to COCSD families:
COCSD Families,
The situation at Cottonwood Community School has resolved. It was reported by a student that there was a possible weapon on campus. All students and staff were safe, at all times. Cottonwood Police Department officers and administrative staff conducted a search and no weapon was found.
All students are safe and will be returning home at normal release times today. Please call the district office at (928) 634-2288 if you have any questions or concerns.
Thank you for understanding.
Best Regards–
Tricia Winters
