Administration at Nome School District was notified Monday about social media postings by two students that alleged potential threats against Nome-Beltz High School.
According to superintendent Jamie Burgess, Nome-Beltz was immediately placed in a “stay-in-place” lockdown and the Nome Police Department was notified. The lockdown was subsequently lifted later in the day.
In a letter to parents and the press, Burgess said, “The administration is cooperating fully with NPD in an investigation of the incident and at this time there is no threat to students, staff or the school.”
In a statement from NPD, Nome Police Chief Michael Heintzelman said 18-year-old Timothy Erickson was arrested for the alleged threat, which police say was made on the Snapchat social media platform. According to Heintzelman the post allegedly depicted a weapon and the words, “Active Shooter.”
Heintzelman added that Erickson was remanded at Anvil Mountain Correctional Center on charges of Terroristic Threatening in the 2nd degree. As of Monday, Erickson was being held without bail.
A female juvenile was also taken into custody but later released.
Burgess added, “We take any and all threats of violence against our student body very seriously, and we are grateful to the individuals who immediately shared their concerns with administration, who were subsequently able to act quickly to take appropriate steps.”
According to Burgess, Nome Public Schools is working with the City of Nome to fund additional security measures for the entrances for Nome-Beltz and Nome Elementary School.
Image at top: Nome Beltz High School. Photo by Brisa Alarcon, KNOM
