COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – An 18-year old suspect was taken into custody at Coldwater High School by Coldwater City Police on Wednesday afternoon for allegedly making a verbal threat against the school and students.
Hunter Bromley, who lives in Branch County’s Algansee Township, was booked at the Branch County Jail where he’s being held on a $250,000 cash or surety bond.
Coldwater Superintendent of Schools Terry Boguth issued this statement Friday morning:
On Wednesday a student made a comment at the bus stop about getting a gun and harming the school and students. It was reported immediately to the Principal at the Branch Area Careers Center and the student was searched and returned to Coldwater High School. The police were called in immediately and found that there were no weapons either on the student or at his home.
Although no weapons were found Coldwater Community Schools takes each and every threat seriously and the student was then arrested for making a verbal threat.
The safety of our students and staff is and will always be our top priority.
Boguth added once the threat was reported at the Careers Center, an adult was with the student at all times.
Some parents have taken to social media to express their anger at the Coldwater School District about not being notified immediately. Others are defending the actions taken by administrators.
Coldwater Director of Public Safety Mark Bartell said in a news release issued by Coldwater Police on Friday that, “We take these types of incidents very seriously. Prompt attention and investigation by the school provided the basis for our follow-up.” He added that police talked with Bromley, multiple witnesses, including both students and staff, and some parents during their investigation.
Bromley was arraigned Thursday in Branch County District Court on a charge of false report or threat of terrorism. He’s due back in District Court for a probable cause hearing February 8, 2018.
