UPDATE: Apple Valley police said in a press release Tuesday afternoon that a 16-year-old male was arrested and is believed to be responsible for the threats.
“Apple Valley Police Detectives have been working diligently to investigate a series of threats targeting multiple schools in Apple Valley and neighboring communities. This extensive investigation led to the execution of a search warrant in the City of Eagan,” the agency said.
“No weapons were located during the course of the search warrant. He has been taken into custody and will be transported to the Dakota County Juvenile Detention Center. Formal charges will be sought through the Dakota County Attorney’s Office,” the press release added.
The city of Burnsville said in a statement that the threats to District 196 and District 191 are being investigated by the Apple Valley Police Department.
“Later in the day, a second threat was posted on social media targeting Nicollet Middle School and Eagle Ridge Middle School,” the city said. “Burnsville Police immediately began investigating this threat and have identified two juvenile suspects and are currently being questioned by officers. This remains an active investigation; however, at this time we do not believe these threats are related and there is no indication of an ongoing threat to the public.”
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High schools in District 196 and District 191 are closed today.
ISD 196 posted a notice on social media and on its website that all of its high schools will be closed Tuesday “out of an abundance of caution” due to “potential threats.”
The high schools closed include Apple Valley, Eastview, Rosemount and Eagan, as well as the Area Learning Center and School of Environmental Studies. Middle and elementary schools remain open.
“We are acting with safety as our first priority to cancel schools today to allow law enforcement to fully investigate this situation,” the district said.
Students who had already arrived at District 196 high schools were dismissed and returned home on buses. Schools are closed to visitors and media today. School officials are working with law enforcement and will provide an update later today.
The Apple Valley Police Department said in a press release that it was contacted Monday around 6:45 p.m. about potential threats made via social media.
“Officers were informed of multiple concerning messages posted online that referenced possible harm directed at several high schools within Independent School District 196,” the department said.
Burnsville High School and Burnsville Alternative High School are also closed due to an online threat.
“Student and staff safety is our top priority. We will continue to work with Burnsville police and keep families informed of any updates. We do have Police on campus to support and help with safety dismissal procedures,” the district said on it website.
This is a developing story.
