CLAY COUNTY, Minn. – Authorities are further explaining why they cannot share more information publicly about a threat that was recently made within the Dilworth-Glyndon-Felton Public Schools system.
On Sunday, officials initially caught wind of what has only been described as a “concerning message” that a student shared with friends.
The next day, Clay County Sheriff Mark Empting released a statement saying a boy was in custody and was fully cooperating.
But since then, community members who feel they were left in the dark have demanded to know why more specific information wasn’t sent out prior to the school day on Monday in the name of safety.
“I understand the parents want answers to make decisions based on what they feel is in the best interest of their child and I totally understand that,” Empting said on WDAY Radio’s The Coffee Club on Wednesday.
“This is one of things that’s really difficult because we can’t really speak of the incident as charges are pending and the suspect is a juvenile.”
Listen: Clay County Sheriff Mark Empting on WDAY Radio’s The Coffee Club
Empting says the case was referred to the county attorney’s office for consideration of charges.
Empting says the prosecutor may then ask for more information, or “they’re going to make a decision based on what charges are appropriate.”
But Empting said he did try to seek permission to release more information.
“I had reached out to our county attorney and then an attorney with the sheriff’s association just to see if there is more that I can give out there and they both said no,” Empting said.
“We try to be as transparent as possible with our community on things like this, but it’s really difficult in these types of situations just because of the facts of the case. We can’t talk about it.”
At the same time, Empting also reassured the public that “things are good” and the situation is “calming down.”
“I want everyone to know our office immediately investigated this case,” said Empting. “We took measures to ensure all resources were utilized on our end. Based on the evidence and the totality of the circumstances, I can confidently say that regarding this particular incident there is no threat of harm to any students or staff.”
