Juvenile suspect arrested in Sweet Home school threat case

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Police have arrested a juvenile suspect after he allegedly made threats to Sweet Home High School, authorities said.

Those threats caused the Sweet Home School District to close all its schools both Thursday and Friday.

It's not the only threat to schools that was made in that same area of Oregon. The nearby Greater Albany Public Schools also received a threat but their campuses stayed open.

In the video of the Sweet Home threat, the high school was directly mentioned and a gun was shown.

"The concern from the social media post was there was a picture of a juvenile with a firearm, and made some kind of reference that included the Sweet Home High School and so that definitely put us on high alert," said Sweet Home Police Chief Jason Ogden.

Another student saw the video and brought it to the district's attention. The Sweet Home police were alerted from there.

"So, you know, there's, there's consequences for, you know, posting these kinds of things online. You know, as we all know, there are terrible things that have happened around our nation regarding things like this, and so we have to take it seriously," Ogden said.

One Sweet Home parent said their first thought was to make sure their kids were safe.

"I'm sure the young person making the threats needs help…probably needs a hug," the parent said.

Sweet Home School District Superintendent Terry Martin addressed the threat Thursday, prior to the young man's arrest.

"Safety of our staff and students is a non-negotiable," Martin said. "This doesn't represent sweet home, this is happening all across our county, and sweet home is a great spot to be. We have incredibly hard-working staff, supportive parents, supportive community…that's one of the good things about living in a small town."

Ogden said the suspect, who is not a student at the Sweet Home School District, is now facing charges of first-degree disorderly conduct and unlawful use of a firearm.

Despite the arrest, officials said all Sweet Home schools are still closed on Friday.