Updated Tuesday, April 18, 12:01 p.m.

A 54-year-old Three Rivers man was arrested Monday in connection with making terrorist threats and threatening to “shoot up” the Three Rivers Middle School (TRMS). 

A report from the Michigan State Police (MSP) said the suspect called News Channel 3 Kalamazoo, and stated he was going to “shoot up” TRMS. The threat was shared with the school and reported to MSP law enforcement. Based on evidence, a search warrant was obtained and executed at the suspect’s residence in Three Rivers. According to MSP, no weapons were found during the search, but the suspect was arrested for making terrorist threats, and is currently lodged at the St. Joseph County Jail.

Three Rivers Community Schools (TRCS) were closed Monday, as a precautionary measure due to the threat connected with the TRMS. Superintendent Nikki Nash issued a statement Monday to parents via email saying safety was the school’s top priority, and that school administrators met with local law enforcement Monday morning to acquire “additional information” on the steps being taken in response to the threat, and efforts were finalized to ensure the safety of staff and students.

The name of the suspect is being withheld pending arraignment, and no further information is available at this time. The incident remains open pending further investigation. 

Original story published on Monday, April 17

A suspect has been arrested in connection with a threat made against Three Rivers Middle School (TRMS) over the weekend, according to Three Rivers Superintendent Nikki Nash.

Three Rivers Community Schools (TRCS) were closed Monday, April 17, due to an alleged threat toward the middle school. Parents were notified Sunday, April 16, of the closure in an email from the school district. The statement read, “Three Rivers Community Schools received information from the Three Rivers Police Department (TRPD) regarding a threat made by a local resident directed toward TRMS. Nikki Nash, Superintendent, has been working with TRPD over the weekend. TRPD has determined the threat not to be credible, however, over an abundance of caution, TRCS will be closed Monday, April 17, 2023 to further investigate on the school’s behalf.”

Watershed Voice reached out to Nash for further explanation regarding the closure. “At this time we continue to work with local and state police to ensure the safety of our students and staff. No other details to share at this time,” she said in an emailed statement. 

Monday afternoon Nash sent an update to parents via email, which read as follows:

Watershed Voice left a message for Three Rivers Police Chief Scott Boling, but at time of publication the phone call was not returned.

Beca Welty is a staff writer and columnist for Watershed Voice.