Police Take East High School Threat Seriously
DENVER (CBS4) - Police say they are taking a report of a threat against Denver's East High School seriously.
The threat was enough of a concern that school officials released students early -- at 12:15 p.m.
"Everyone was stuck inside in the same classroom for an hour and then they finally said they were going to dismiss us," said East High School student Harley Kenitzer.
Police were helping to make sure students were safe as they left school and headed home.
"I'm kind of nervous and kind of shaky," said East High School student Cassidy Gordon.
All after-school activities at the school were canceled for the day.
So far it's not clear what the threat was, but a student there told CBS4 the threat may have originated from a post on Facebook.
Multiple sources told CBS4 that some students at East High School were targeted and may have involved rival gangs.
Sources said the threat involved the funeral of 13-year-old Reysean Abram. Memorial services were scheduled for 11 a.m. Friday. Those events apparently created some tension among students.
Three people have been arrested in connection with his shooting death Aug. 31.
Abram had rivals who attend East High School and the threats may have been directed toward those particular students.
Neither police nor school administrators confirmed what the threat may have been but did confirm it was serious enough to take action.
"When you hear from Denver police there is a credible threat obviously you take that very seriously," said DPS spokesman Mike Vaughn.
No students were harmed. Parents said even with what little information they were given they believe police and the school did the right thing.
"It seems like the school is responding quickly and well and I feel confident that my daughter and foster son are safe," said parent Katie Reinisch.
East High School is across from City Park.
Manual High School also had an early release on Friday. Police would not elaborate on whether it was connected to the threat at East High School.
Homecoming activities at Manual have been postponed until a date to be determined due to safety concerns.
Manual's homecoming dance was originally scheduled for 8-11 p.m. Saturday.
