May 27, 2025

Law enforcement acts swiftly to school threat

MCF Newsroom Reports:

The Watford City Police Department released a report of a school threat at the McKenzie County Middle School that occurred on Thursday, May 22, at approximately 11:20 a.m.


According to a press release, Watford City Police Department School Resource Officer assigned to Watford City Middle School received credible information that a male student had made threats of violence toward the school.
Law Enforcement officers from the Watford City Police Department, McKenzie County Sheriff’s Office, and North Dakata Highway Patrol immediately responded to the Watford City Middle School and other area school buildings to investigate. School officials promptly initiated safety protocols to protect students and staff.


Within one hour of receiving the threat, officers located the juvenile male suspect in the parking lot of Fox Hills Elementary School. He was taken into custody without incident.


Superintendent Steve Holen said, “We followed protocol and we treat every situation seriously; however, the safety of students was not compromised and the threat did not involve Fox Hills other than where the student was approached by the PD. It was an unfortunate for the last day of school, but it was address swiftly, effectively, and student safety was not directly impacted yesterday due to the actions taken.”

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WATFORD CITY WEATHER