Bartlesville ups security as students return

When Bartlesville stu­dents return to the class­room today, they will see an enhanced police pres­ence and improved locks on classroom doors after an 18-year-old student was accused of plotting to shoot students at the high school, officials said.

Bartlesville Public Schools officials said that the district’s schools revamped security plans over the holiday break after last month’s arrest of student Sammie Eagle­bear Chavez, who was ac­cused of plotting to shoot students at the school and detonate bombs to kill police. No one was harmed, and Chavez’s mother has said her son did not seriously plan any violence.

Chavez is being held on $1 million bond in the Washington County jail on a charge of planning or attempting to perform an act of violence. He’s due in court Jan. 11 for a status hearing.

Police arrested Chavez on the same day as the deadly school shooting in Newtown, Conn.

Wednesday is the first day of classes after the holidays for Bartlesville students. The Examiner-Enterprise reported that Superintendent Gary Quinn said in a letter to parents Monday that there will be a “strong po­lice presence throughout the district” when stu­dents return.