CLINTONVILLE – A 16-year-old juvenile student who made comments “regarding causing harm to a student and the school” was referred to Waupaca County Human Services for the charges of disorderly conduct and terrorist threats but was not taken into custody by Waupaca County Human Services.
According to a joint press release from Clintonville Superintendent Troy Kuhn and Clintonville Police Chief Craig Freitag, after school on Oct. 27, the Clintonville Police Department (CPD) was contacted by Kuhn, “who was concerned about potential threats a student had made. He stated that he was directing two of his employees to go to the CPD to file an official report. Law enforcement gathered statements and began conducting follow-up interviews with witnesses, potential suspects, and potential victims.”
After an investigation by law enforcement, it was determined “that a 16-year-old juvenile student made comments regarding causing harm to a student and the school.”
Based on the results of the investigation, the juvenile was referred to Waupaca County Human Services for the charges of disorderly conduct and terrorist threats.
“Law enforcement also contacted Waupaca County Human Services and provided information about the investigation,” it was stated in the press release. “Waupaca County Human Services determined not to take the juvenile into custody. The Clintonville School District Administration has determined the juvenile is not allowed on or in school grounds until further notice.”
Second statement
A second joint press release was released a day after the original press release. In the second press release, it was stated that safety is the top priority.
“If there were ever a significant or immediate threat, the school district would not have school, and/or we would follow emergency evacuation procedures for students and staff, regardless of the time of day,” it was stated in the second press release.
It was also stated that after a threat is addressed, both the school district and the police department “begin investigating the alleged comments to determine the school’s best course of action through Wisconsin School Threat Assessment Management Protocol.”
“Law enforcement conducts its investigation to determine whether criminal charges will be filed under Wisconsin State Statutes,” it was stated in the second press release. “Both law enforcement and school officials help contact necessary people, not only to complete the investigation but, if needed, to ensure their safety.”
Follow-up information
The Clintonville Tribune-Gazette followed up with Freitag on Nov. 2 regarding the incident. Freitag confirmed that the Clintonville Police Department completed a juvenile referral form for the incident. The form contained the suggested charges and was sent to Waupaca County Human Services, which handles youth justice.
“Once they receive it, they decide whether to send it to the DA’s office for recommended charges,” Freitag stated in an email. “In this case, we have done that and aren’t sure where it stands now, since it’s out of our hands.”
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