UPDATE: Online threat involving firearm lead to preventative lockdown at De Soto Schools

DE SOTO, Wis. (WKBT) — Vernon County Sheriff John Spears says his department was notified Monday morning just after 7:00 of a social media post that contained a possible threat to De Soto Schools.

Sheriff Spears say the post was made by a 17 year old male student at De Soto High School and included a possible threat and a picture of a firearm.

A deputy went to the boy’s home before he left for school. After further investigation, the boy was taken into custody.

The teen appeared in Vernon County court where he was ordered not to have firearms and to not have contact with De Soto Area Schools.

The De Soto School District went into a preventative lockdown this morning after receiving information about the possible threat.

According to a letter sent to parents and guardians by the school district Monday morning, law enforcement was immediately involved and assisted with the threat assessment. Police located the individual who allegedly issued the threat. Authorities determined there is “no reason to believe anyone is in danger, and that all schools may proceed as normal.”

The MS/HW band & choir concert was canceled Monday night because of weather conditions, not due to safety concerns.

The District took action to secure students in a safe location at all three buildings. Buses near elementary schools were re-routed to Prairie View and Stoddard elementary school buildings, and elementary, middle and high school students were provided with “shelter in place.” Other buses that were not near elementary schools picked up students, and then buses were held on roadways. There were some students not picked up due to icy roads.

Students who arrived at De Soto Middle/High School either by bus, car, or walking were taken into the school building to “shelter in place” in a secure area. Some students who arrived and who were accompanied by a parent/guardian left with their parent/guardian. Parents/guardians were notified if their child could not be picked up due to road conditions.

Parents and or guardians were given the option to pick up their children at school if they wanted to.

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