Russelle Smith, 18 years old, has been charged in Washburn County Circuit Court with Class I felony Terrorist Threats and Class B Misdemeanor Disorderly Conduct.
According to the criminal complaint, on May 26, 2017, Spooner Police Department received a report that Smith had made statements to multiple other students about shooting people at Spooner High School's 2017 graduation ceremony.
Spooner Police officers were provided with written statements from at least four other students who alleged that for a few days Smith had been making comments about shooting up the Spooner High School graduation.
More than one statement alleged that Smith stated that a movie would be made about the shooting and it would be called “Graduation Day”. The statements further allege that a group of students were discussing video games such as 'Call of Duty' which contain guns and violence and that Smith stated that they were just giving him ideas for graduation day.
Due to Smith having a home address within Burnett County, Spooner Police Officers contacted the Burnett County Sheriff's Office as well to request assistance in locating Smith. The criminal complaint states that Burnett County Sheriff's Investigators made contact with Smith's father who advised that Smith was in Spooner.
Smith was located in the area of the Veterans Park in Spooner, WI by Spooner Police Officers with the assistance of the Washburn County Sheriff's Office, Wisconsin State Patrol and Wisconsin DNR. The criminal complaint states that Smith was at the park with family members.
Smith was taken into custody and interviewed regarding the allegations that he had been making threatening statements about shooting people at the Spooner High School Graduation.
The criminal complaint states that Smith denied all the allegations contained in the written statements provided to Spooner Police Department. Smith reportedly stated to an officer during his interview that he knows he sometimes says things that are taken out of context or that he can't always remember what he says.
If convicted of both charges, Smith could face up to 3 years and 9 months confinement in state prison.
Smith is scheduled to appear in Washburn County Circuit Court on June 12, 2017, for an Initial Appearance on his charges.
DrydenWire.com will continue to update the community on this situation when any significant activity or progress develops and reminds our readers that arrested or charged individuals are presumed innocent until convicted by judge or jury.
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Last Update: Jun 08, 2017 3:14 pm CDT
