Law enforcement officials in Montezuma County recently questioned a juvenile girl who allegedly posted a social media photo of herself with what appeared to be an assault rifle.
The weapon turned out to be a BB gun, Sheriff Steve Nowlin said, and a deputy arrested the girl Sunday on an unrelated charge of failing to appear in court on an assault charge.
Nowlin added that the photo contained “derogatory comments,” and the juvenile was not an enrolled student.
Lt. Andy Brock, of the Cortez Police Department, told The Journal that parents and school staff alerted police to the social media post.
“Parents and school staff contacted the police department,” Brock said. “They made us aware of it, and we were able to deal with situation.”
No further charges were planned for the Snapchat incident, Nowlin said.
The Montezuma-Cortez Re-1 School District emailed a Journal reporter about the incident on Monday and emailed parents and staff on Tuesday morning, according to Phyllis Lockhart, secretary to Superintendent Lori Haukeness.
“RE-1 administrators have been assured by law enforcement officials that there is no current risk to students or staff, as the individual involved has been contacted by law enforcement, and the situation has been addressed,” Haukeness said in the email.
Haukeness added that in light of the recent school shootings in Aztec, New Mexico and Parkland, Florida, the school district and first responders continue to “review and refine” safety plans.
“When we learn of a potential threat of any type, all law-enforcement agencies and building administrators immediately contact each other and investigate the situation to determine the level of danger to students and staff,” Haukeness said.
Haukeness encouraged residents to call 911 if they hear of an unsafe situation.
