One Arrested, Four Students Charged After Incident at Belgrade Schools

Update: 6/5 8:39 a.m.

According to an official police report, David Oster, 18, of Belgrade was arrested and charged with Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence in connection with Tuesday's threat in the Belgrade School District.

During the course of the investigation it was determined that the threat originated in the form of a video distributed on social media. The video was apparently recorded during the lunch period at a home near the high school. In the video, it was determined that a functional firearm was used.

Police responded to the home and interviewed Oster, who lives at the residence. Oster did not appear in the video, but apparently admitted to authorities that he had seen the video and is reported to have later admitted that he attempted to dispose of the weapon in a nearby portable toilet.

It isn't immediately clear what relation Oster has to any of the four juveniles who were also charged in the incident or who the gun belongs to.

Oster was eventually transported to the Gallatin County Detention Center.

Update 6/5 5:33 a.m.

According to Belgrade police, four Belgrade High School students have been charged with Felony Intimidation. One adult male was arrested and charged with Tampering with Physical Evidence, also a felony.

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Update: 6/4 3:37 p.m.

A threatening video is at the center of an investigation that prompted a shelter-in-place in the Belgrade School District on Tuesday.

At around 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, the Belgrade School District contacted Belgrade police after it was reported that several high school students had produced a threatening video. The video, which showed one of the students holding what looked to be a handgun, was sent via Snapchat to another student.
The district indicates that Belgrade police officers responded to the school and apprehended several students that they believe were involved in making the video.

Belgrade Police were assisted by the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol and the Bozeman Police Department.
Belgrade Schools Superintendent Godfrey Saunders and EJ Clark of the Belgrade Police Department are reminding students to think about their actions. The two say that any threats that are made will be taken seriously by everyone, and the school and law enforcement will act swiftly.

The shelter-in-place for the high school has been lifted.

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Update: 6/4 3:01 p.m.

From the Belgrade School District:

Superintendent Godfrey Saunders has confirmed that the Precautionary Shelter In Place for Heck Quaw Elementary, Saddle Peak Elementary and the Belgrade Middle School has been lifted. Release times will be as normal for picking up children.

The Belgrade High School however is still in a Shelter in Place until further notice.

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Original Story: 6/4 2:02 p.m.

According to Belgrade High School Principal Paul Lamb, Belgrade School District students and staff were ordered to shelter-in-place, Tuesday. Belgrade police responded to the scene.

A second source inside of the district tells us that the shelter-in-place was ordered due to reports that a student possibly brought a gun to the high school.

This is a developing story and we will provide updates as we receive them.