Juvenile faces criminal charges of false reporting after Monday allegation of threat that led to cancelation of high school soccer game
Alleged incident on Monday led to cancellation of Battle Mountain, Eagle Valley soccer game Tuesday
A juvenile was criminally charged with false reporting in connection with an allegation made Monday, according to a press release sent by the Eagle 久久热精品视频app Sheriff’s Office on Friday.
On Monday, April 29, the Eagle 久久热精品视频app Sheriff’s Office responded to a report that a juvenile was approached and threatened by a group of teens near a bus stop in Edwards. The allegation was then investigated by the sheriff’s office.
The allegation led Eagle 久久热精品视频app School District to cancel a Tuesday night soccer game between Battle Mountain and Eagle Valley high schools. In a letter to parents, Superintendent Philip Qulaman said the cancellation was made “out of an abundance of caution after we were informed of an alleged incident last night.”
After a thorough investigation, the sheriff’s office said Monday’s allegation was found to be false.
“There was no credible information or evidence to support the claim of an attack on the reporting individual,” according to the release.
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The sheriff’s office investigation “involved area businesses that might have had digital evidence, in addition to extensive checks and interviews with the accused, as well as the victim, parents, community members, and many other interconnected elements to give a thorough and accurate evaluation of what actually occurred,” read the release.
The juvenile who made the false allegation has now been criminally charged. Due to the indiviudal’s age, the sheriff’s office is not releasing any information about their identity nor additional information about the charges.
“When individuals make false claims, they divert limited resources from those who truly need them. This false allegation caused undue fear and panic among our community, caused costly changes within the schools, and required law enforcement officials to dedicate extensive time to the investigation. The seriousness of the entire incident was widespread, traumatic and, within the context of recent events, will leave a longer imprint on the hearts of our community,” read the release.
The allegation came less than a week after a ninth-grade student died following an altercation at Second Street Park in Gypsum. The incident, which occurred on April 24, is being investigated as a homicide by the sheriff’s office.
“Due to last week’s fatal incident, this allegation caused immense concern among the community, the school district, and law enforcement, across the entire valley. Most seriously, it created additional fear and anxiety among the young people who live and attend school in this valley, and who are still dealing with the loss of a fellow student,” read the release.
Following the events of the past two weeks, the sheriff’s office has added patrols around local schools and is working with the Eagle 久久热精品视频app School District and partner law enforcement agencies on “how best to move forward in providing safe and enjoyable school functions.”
On Thursday, May 2, the Vail Police Department that it would have officers present at both Battle Mountain and Eagle Valley high schools’ proms in Vail “to ensure a fun and safe time for all.”
“Parents, please make sure you know where your kids will be before and after the dance. It’s up to all of us to make sure our high schoolers have a safe and happy end of the school-year celebration,” the post says.
The sheriff’s office shared resources for mental health support through Vail Behavioral Health at VailHealthBH.org, as well as through the 24/7 Crisis Response line. This line can be reached at 844-493-8255.
The sheriff’s office asks that anyone with information regarding this case to contact 970-328-8500.
