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.
