One juvenile in custody for Bloomfield Schools threat

BLOOMFIELD, Mo. — Following what appears to be a national trend the past couple of weeks, Bloomfield Schools received threats Thursday, Sept. 19, and in investigation quickly led to the arrest of a juvenile.

Bloomfield Schools Superintendent Jason Karnes said he is extremely pleased with the short time needed to get results.

“I have to say that anytime something comes up involving the school, our law enforcement — the juvenile office, the sheriff’s department and the police — all spring into action,” Karnes noted. “Getting an arrest the day the investigation started is what we like to see.”

The nature of the threats was not released, but according to Bloomfield Department of Public Safety Director James Dew, DPS worked closely with the Stoddard County Juvenile Office and questioned multiple individuals. During the investigation and questioning, one juvenile was arrested.

Dew noted that the investigation is ongoing, and the threat has been deemed non-credible. In a post on social media, Dew said, “Again, we talk all threats seriously and investigate all threats fully. The safety and security of our children is always top priority.”

Dew also noted in the release that additional officers would be visible on campus at the school for the “foreseeable future.”

Karnes explained that he sent a notice out to parents/guardians immediately after learning about the threat, and said threats will always be taken seriously.

“Right now, we’re looking to hire a school resource officer,” Karnes explained. “We made that decision at the last board meeting; and we think that will be a welcome addition to our school.”

Additionally, Karnes said he is extremely pleased with the reaction from the student body.

“Our students didn’t hesitate once they heard the threat,” he said. “That is what we want. We want our students to recognize how serious threats are, and I’m glad to see the way they didn’t hesitate to let the school know what they heard.”