Police Chief Nick Payne issued the following statement: On Wednesday, September 20, 2023, the Tonkawa Police Department became aware of an alleged threat targeting Tonkawa Public Schools. The Tonkawa Police Department wishes to update the community on the actions taken by our agency in response to this incident.Immediately upon receiving the reports, our dedicated detectives from the Tonkawa Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division initiated a thorough investigation into the matter. Numerous witnesses, both juveniles and adults, were interviewed to gather information and ascertain the credibility of the threat.As a result of our investigation, a juvenile suspect and associated individuals were identified and subsequently interviewed by the Tonkawa Police. It is important to note that the suspects involved in this incident are not students of Tonkawa Public Schools. In accordance with our commitment to maintaining a safe educational environment, the individuals responsible for the threat have been formally trespassed from all Tonkawa Public School Properties.Additionally, we have forwarded the case to the Oklahoma Office of Juvenile Affairs (OJA) for further legal proceedings. The Tonkawa Police Department takes these incidents very seriously, and we want to emphasize that making threats of violence, regardless of age, is not a joke and will be dealt with accordingly under the fullest extent of the law.The safety and well-being of our students and faculty are of paramount importance to the Tonkawa Police Department. We commend the students and adults who came forward to report these threats. Their courage and cooperation have been instrumental in our efforts to address this situation swiftly and effectively.Due to the ages of all individuals involved in this ongoing investigation, we are unable to release any further information at this time. However, we assure the community that we are committed to transparency and will provide updates as appropriate.The Tonkawa Police Department would like to remind everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities or threats to law enforcement immediately. Together, we can ensure the safety of our community and create an environment conducive to learning and growth.For media inquiries or additional information, please contact the Tonkawa Police Department Public Information Office at (580) 628-2516 during normal business hours.
