Juvenile charged with disorderly conduct

Barbara Lawlor, Nederland.  On Wednesday, May 4, after Nederland Middle Senior High School classes had been let out, a 16-year-old male was seen carrying a black weapon near the smoking area west of the school. The school leadership team contacted the Nederland Police Department who contacted the Boulder County Sheriff’s Officers as well as the Boulder Valley School District security team.

The male was not at the scene when officers arrived.

Officers were able to identify the teen, a former Nederland student, and contact him in his home. It was determined that the “weapon” was a bb gun. The suspect had not been in the school.

As law enforcement officers investigated the incident, the school administration and security, according to the school safety plan, put the facility in a lockout on Thursday morning. Classes operated on a normal schedule, but students remained in the school building until clearance was provided by law enforcement.

A message explaining the situation was sent to all parents and principal, Adam Fels said he would provide more information as it became available. At 10 a.m., the community was notified that the campus was cleared by local law enforcement and returned to normal operations. The lockout was lifted. Fels reported that law enforcement agencies were continuing their investigation.

BCSO commander Mike Wagner said the student was interviewed and charged with disorderly conduct. “A BB gun does not qualify as a weapon.” Disorderly Conduct is a Class 2 misdemeanor and the teen will appear in a juvenile court.