A Ripon High School student is in custody after allegedly leaving message in a school restroom threatening 17 Ripon High School students and one teacher. The message was found Wednesday leading to what was described as a “soft lockdown” of the school and cancellation of boys’ basketball games Thursday evening. Following an investigation by Ripon police and school officials the 17 year old male student was arrested Friday evening and transported to the Fond du Lac County Jail.
“The Ripon Area School District and the City of Ripon Police Department have diligently worked together through this investigation process to bring some closure to the students, their families and the entire Ripon Area School District community. I would like to thank students and parents for their patience and support as we worked through this situation. Our counselors are available for any student or parent that would like to speak to them. Our goal now is to support our students and staff as they work to process this incident and begin to move forward,” Principal Randy Hatlen said.
According to a press release school counselors and additional mental health resources are available to students following the incident.