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UPDATED: Alpena Public Schools, law enforcement identify person responsible for Besser Elementary threat

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ALPENA — Alpena Public Schools announced Monday night that local law enforcement officials helped the district identify an individual responsible for writing a threatening message at Besser Elementary School.

In a press release, the district said law enforcement made contact with the person and that the individual has been barred from returning to the school, pending appropriate handling by the district.

“Alpena Public Schools would like to thank the students and staff that helped in this investigation and would like to extend our appreciation to our local law enforcement agencies who work tirelessly to help APS create a safe learning environment for all,” the district said in the press release.

Earlier in the day, the district announced that law enforcement would be present at Besser Tuesday as a possible threat was investigated. District officials said late Monday night a police car would be at the school on Tuesday morning so people feel safe.

Toward the end of the school day on Monday, a Besser student reported to a teacher there was a threat written on the wall of a stall in the boys bathroom, according to an earlier district press release.

The release also said law enforcement was also interviewing students.

Monday’s announcement marks the third time in a week that the district has had to investigate suspicious activity or potential threats.

On Friday, Alpena High School and Thunder Bay Junior High School went into secure mode and after-school activities were canceled after internet rumors led to a lockdown.

The district said Friday it was investigating a rumor regarding student safety during a potential walkout which was described as a “moment of silence for everyone involved in the Nashville shooting.”

The district said there was no existing threat, but the walkout announcement was made anonymously on Instagram and concerns from students in both schools that it may be aligned with threatening behavior led both buildings to go into secure mode.

On Thursday, a Thunder Bay Junior High staff member reported the presence of the words “AK-47” faintly written in a bathroom stall.

A school liaison officer, along with APS administrators immediately began an on-site investigation of the situation. After consulting with the Alpena County Sheriff’s Department regarding the results of the investigation, it was determined that no further action was needed.

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