Threats against Barry, Allegan schools

OTSEGO, Mich. (WOOD) - Michigan State Police have determined an anonymous threat to schools Friday morning was not credible, but have arrested a man on other unrelated charges.  

Troopers told 24 Hour News 8 an anonymous person called Barry County dispatchers, saying a 50-year-old Orangeville Township man was "high on drugs and going to shoot up a school."

Troopers said no specific school was identified, and the caller quickly hung up.

Barry and Allegan county authorities contacted schools in their areas to let them know about the potential threat. Several districts, including Plainwell, Otsego and Delton Kellogg, decided to initiate a lockdown as a precaution.

Michigan State Police troopers arrived at the man's Orangeville Township home around 7:20 a.m. Friday to question him and investigate the threat's credibility.

Troopers found two handguns and five long guns at the home, but determined there was no credible threat to area schools. Police also found a methamphetamine lab in the basement.

Police arrested the homeowner on unrelated charges. Those charges include a felon in possession of a firearm, maintaining and operating a methamphetamine lab, possession of methamphetamine and marijuana, and the violation of an adult circuit court probation.  

Children's Protective Services was also contacted, as there was a young child at the home as well. The man is expected to be formally charged Saturday.  

Otsego Public Schools spokeswoman Holly McCaw said local police contacted the district Friday about the alleged threat from a suspect in the Orangeville area.

"It was a threat against a school," McCaw told 24 Hour News 8. "The threat didn't identify Otsego schools."

The Otsego district locked down all of its school buildings, but that lasted about a half hour before it was determined there was no real threat, she said.
 
Delton Kellogg Schools will remain on modified lockdown for the rest of Friday per advice of local police.

Otsego and Delton Kellogg schools had an extra police presence on campuses Friday morning.

Plainwell also initiated a modified lockdown, in which staff members closed blinds, locked exterior and classroom doors, but classes were held as normal.

Troopers said they have to take every threat seriously, and were pleased by the schools' voluntary response to the possible threat.  

"Better to be safe than sorry," said Det. Sgt. Matthew Doan of the Michigan State Police.