Bomb threat briefly closes Asotin High School

ASOTIN – Asotin High School was evacuated Monday after a bomb threat was found scrawled on an area inside the school.

Many students had already left for the day by the time the threat was found, around 2:40 p.m., but any students waiting for parents or involved in afternoon events were removed from the building, according to an Asotin Police Department news release.

A sweep of the school and adjoining elementary school was conducted by police, school administration and custodial staff. Nothing was found, and the school was opened for evening events at 4:05 p.m.

Chief Monte Renzelman said he wouldn’t disclose where the written threat was located in the school as it is an active investigation and the location could taint a school resource officer’s efforts to identify a suspect. Renzelman said the officer is looking into leads, but no suspect has been identified.

“We did a pretty thorough search, through lockers and cabinets and drawers, looking in every little nook and cranny,” Renzelman said. “Nothing was found, and events planned (Monday night) will be going forward.”

The incident marks the 10th bomb threat this school year at regional schools, including several at Washington State University and Lewiston High School, with the most recent occurring at Orofino High School on Wednesday.