(UPDATE, 4:35 p.m.) The person reporting the incident told authorities the threat was sent using a social media platform, “where a firearm was involved and was confirmed through a credible source,” a news release states.
Hellgate High School was then placed on lockdown.
Missoula Police Department spokeswoman Whitney Bennett says officers responded and began investigating while making sure that students were safe. Officers also searched a private residence but say a person of interest was not found there.
Missoula County Public Schools began what is described as an “organized evacuation” of the school at approximately 1:50 p.m. as law enforcement remained on scene as a safety precaution.
Bennett said police used information provided by the public to find and detain three girls “as persons of interest” in connection with the incident.
MCPS spokeswoman Tyler Christensen tells MTN News the school day is expected to continue as usual at Hellgate High School on Thursday. Bennett told MTN News that police will conduct extra patrols Thursday morning.
Christensen says students and families were notified throughout the lockdown through the MCPS mass notification system, receiving recorded voice messages, emails, and texts during the incident.
(UPDATE, 3:15 p.m.) Several people are being questioned by law enforcement in connection with the lockdown and reported threat.
The Missoula Police Department reports they have several people "in custody as persons of interest regarding the threat at Hellgate HS."
The MPD also said it is no longer "seeking a person of interest as previously stated."
Police say there is no longer a threat to the community.
(UPDATE, 2:15 p.m.) Missoula County Public Schools announced the lockdown has been lifted at Hellgate High School and school is being dismissed early.
MCPS previously announced the "soft perimeter lock-in had been lifted for all other MCPS schools and the school day will continue as usual.
(UPDATE, 1:31 p.m.) The Missoula Police Department said it is searching for Kathryna Moreno, who they say is a "person of interest" in the investigation.
Police say she is considered armed. Anyone with information on her whereabouts is asked to call 911.
We will update you if we get more information.
(UPDATE, 12:20 p.m.) Hellgate High School remains in lockdown following several social media threats.
Police remains on the scene and are continuing to investigate the situation.
Some parents in the area have heard from their kids inside and they say they are safe but still in full lockdown.
As a result of the threat, all Missoula County Public Schools remain in a "soft-perimeter lockdown."
Students are not being allowed outside.
Additionally, the situation prompted Lolo School into a perimeter lockdown as a precautionary measure.
(UPDATE: 11:02 a.m.) Police are at the scene inside and outside Hellgate High School.
Missoula Police Department spokeswoman Whitney Bennett tells MTN News the school was locked down due to a threat made over social media.
A message sent to MCPS parents states that "out of an abundance of caution all MCPS schools are in soft-perimeter lockdown."
Students are not being let outside at this time.
MCPS sent the following email to parents:
Families may have heard that Hellgate High School is in lockdown. Out of an abundance of caution, all MCPS schools are in a soft perimeter lock-in. The normal school day will continue as usual inside our buildings. Students will not be let outside for lunch, recess or other activities. More information will be shared when it is available.
The University of Montana Police Department (UMPD) issued an alert stating they are monitoring the situation and "currently there is no action needed on campus."
The Lolo School District sent a message to parents stating they are also under a perimeter lockdown until further notice. The message also states the move is a precautionary measure and that no threats have been made against Lolo School.
(1st REPORT, 10:50 a.m.) Hellgate High School in Missoula has been locked down.
Missoula County Public Schools (MCPS) is asking families not to approach the school at this time.
MCPS spokeswoman Tyler Christensen tells MTN News that students and staff are safe at this time.
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