Bemidji schools move to e-learning after report of 'credible threat'

Updated: 3:45 p.m.

The Bemidji school district moved to an online learning day on Wednesday after what officials said was a “credible threat” made against a school in the district.

Authorities said a juvenile male is in custody in connection with reported threats.

Bemidji police said in a news release that 911 dispatchers received several text messages Tuesday night “which indicated a specific threat” to a school and a staff member.

“After initial review and investigation of the threats, Bemidji police officers were not able to identify a suspect nor where the messages were coming (from). As a result, BPD staff recommended that area schools close” on Wednesday, police said.

The district moved to an e-learning day.

Authorities later were able to track the messages to a home in Bemidji, where a juvenile male was arrested.

“Without extensive pre-planning, collaboration and partnership between the Bemidji Area Schools and the Bemidji Police Department, communication and safety decisions would likely have been greatly delayed,” the police department reported. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension assisted local agencies.

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