CHENEY, Wash. — A juvenile suspect is in custody for allegedly making three bombs and planning to use them at a Cheney school on Wednesday.
The Cheney Police Department (CPD), the Spokane County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) and other law enforcement agencies obtained a search warrant and found the devices in Cheney and Spokane County. Two Cheney schools were thoroughly searched as a precaution, but police said they didn't find any threats and determined it was safe for the schools to resume normal operations.
Police started investigating just before 3 p.m. on Wednesday, when they received a call from a mandatory reporter about a bomb threat made by a juvenile. The reporter said the child claimed to have made three "improvised explosive devices" and was planning to use them at WIN Academy in Cheney.
"This was brought to light by the individual, [the child] was looking for help," Cheney Police Chief Rick Beghtol said.
It's not clear which school the child went to, but WIN Academy and Cheney Middle School were searched and cleared in response to the threats. The school district's Transportation facilities were also searched.
According to Beghtol, the devices were commercial mortars, similar to the ones seen as part of a firework display. The devices were apparently modified to become improvised explosive devices.
"The devices were rudimentary, they had to be fuse lit," Beghtol explained. "So they couldn't be detonated from a remote source or anything. So without somebody there to light the fuse, they weren't gonna go off."
Following the threat, CPD, SCSO's Bomb Squad, the Airway Heights Police Department, Fairchild 92nd Security Forces MWD and the Spokane Police Department obtained search warrants and recovered the devices. Two were found at a residence in Cheney and the third was located at a Medical Lake residence, according to CPD.
The juvenile was taken into custody and police determined it was safe for the district to resume normal operations. Beghtol said the child's family has been cooperative.
Cheney School District sent parents, staff and others an email regarding the incident, stating in part:
Our top priority is the safety and security of our students, families, and staff. Wednesday evening, the District was alerted by local law enforcement about a possible bomb threat that targeted WIN Academy. Law enforcement has identified the individual responsible for the threat. Working with local law enforcement, WIN Academy was searched and cleared of any possible danger related to the threat. Out of an abundance of caution, Cheney Middle School and Transportation were also searched and cleared. Per law enforcement, our district and schools are safe to resume normal operations Thursday.
We will continue to monitor the situation, and we will provide updates if necessary.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
DOWNLOAD THE KREM SMARTPHONE APP
DOWNLOAD FOR IPHONE HERE | DOWNLOAD FOR ANDROID HERE
HOW TO ADD THE KREM+ APP TO YOUR STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for KREM in the Channel Store.
Fire TV: Search for "KREM" to find the free app to add to your account. Another option for Fire TV is to have the app delivered directly to your Fire TV through Amazon.
Apple TV: Search "Spokane News from KREM" in the Apple store or follow this link.
To report a typo or grammatical error, please email webspokane@krem.com.