Missoula Police Share More Details About Hellgate’s Lockdown

Missoula, MT (KGVO-AM News) - According to the Missoula Police Department, there have been a number of rumors regarding the Hellgate High School incident that occurred on Wednesday. Police Public Information Officer Whitney Bennett said MPD wants to provide the most up-to-date and accurate information. 

“The City of Missoula Police Department responded to the threat of an active shooter, directed towards Hellgate High School,” Bennett said. “The threat was sent through Snapchat™ with a firearm being presented. There was a “geo” tagged location of Hellgate High School and the words “school shooter ong”. A Missoula Police Department School Resource Officer advised the school to immediately initiate a lock down after confirming the threat.” 

Bennett said the resource officer called additional MPD officers to the location to assist with taking precautionary measures.  

“Multiple different agencies arrived quickly to assist with the investigation and wherever else they were needed to ensure the safety of the students and staff,” Bennett said. “During the investigation, Law Enforcement Officials searched multiple private residences, and the individual(s) of interest were not located. MCPS initiated the start of an organized evacuation once it was deemed the threat was no longer in the area. Officers and the other law enforcement partners remained on scene to aid as security of the students and staff to ensure their safety.” 

The organized evacuation was successful and completed in a timely manner.  

“The Missoula Police Department was provided information from the public on the location of the juveniles,” Bennett said. “The information was acted on and resulted in locating the juveniles at a local shopping center. There were no weapons on any of the three juveniles when they were detained. It was deemed there is no longer a threat to Hellgate High School and at no point were any firearms discharged before, during, or after the threat.” 

Bennett also mentioned that MPD referred charges on one juvenile female for Intimidation, Tampering with Evidence, and Obstructing a Peace Officer to the County Attorney’s Office and to Youth Court. 

Bennett said MPD would like to acknowledge and thank all the local, state, and federal agencies for their assistance and help during the investigation. Additionally, they want to thank the public for their assistance.