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An unmarked Sheriff's vehicle is parked outside Boulder Creek High School on April 5. A heightened police presence was the result of threats received by the Deer Valley Unified School District.
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Threat of guns on Boulder Creek campus prompts alert
MCSO increases Anthem patrols
by Brian DiTullio and Kathleen Stinson

ANTHEM – Boulder Creek High School braced for the worst on Thursday after receiving a threat that a student or students might be bringing guns to school.Three extra sheriff’s deputies were called in to beef up security, according to Diane Drumwright, a Deer Valley Unified School District public relations officer. Administration also placed more staff at Boulder Creek, including district leadership, and dispatched a site team consisting of several psychologists to counsel any students or school personnel experiencing anxiety as a result of the situation.

"They’re available if anyone wants to talk," said Drumwright. "There is an emergency response plan in place."

Assistant Principal Kathy Borgesen related the school was very quiet all morning.

Numerous parents arrived at the campus throughout the day to pull their children out of school.

Cortney Morris, a sophomore at Boulder Creek, said the school was practically deserted, noting it usually takes about 15-20 minutes to get lunch but that it took no time at all on Thursday. She stated classes that usually have 30-35 students had only around 15 in attendance.

"It was vacant," said Morris.

Drumwright reported that, out of 1,870 students enrolled, more than 600 were absent. However, the district was not done counting phone "call-offs" as of 3:30 p.m. and that number, she said, would rise.

MCSO spokesman Lt. Paul Chagolla told The Desert Advocate on Thursday deputies have an "increased presence" in the Anthem community at this time as a result of the Boulder Creek situation.

Chagolla said the department is aware of "one, maybe two assaults involving teenagers" in Anthem last weekend, but would offer no further details at this time.

On site, Lt. Doug Matteson, another spokesperson for MCSO, stated the department is investigating the assaults but believes those incidents are connected to Thursday’s threats.

"We’re here in a proactive role," said Matteson, noting the department had dispatched an additional 35 officers to the Anthem area. "We’re just showing we’re in the area," he added.

Principal Kevin Imes sent a letter to parents explaining there have been "several rumors" circulating by text messaging, e-mail and phone calls "regarding a possible situation at Boulder Creek High School as a result of activities in the community over last weekend."

According to Borgesen, there were four separate incidents involving teenagers getting into fights and that several teens were beat up as a result.

Several parents called The Desert Advocate on Thursday to report the text message indicating guns would be brought to the campus.

Matteson explained the department still is trying to weed out the rumors and find the original source. "You can’t do that in five hours," he said.

Look to next week’s edition or Web site for expanded coverage.

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