Washburn school responds to threat
BY ALYSSA MEIER
Editor
A 19-year-old Garrison man is in custody on a felony terrorizing charge after reportedly threatening violence on Washburn Public School this weekend.
Bailey Bauer, of Garrison, is being held on a $10,000 cash bond after McLean County Sheriff’s Department officers arrested him on Sunday, the day after posting a threatening message on Facebook.
According to an affidavit, Bauer wrote “I’ll shoot that school up for one kid” and added that he didn’t care if people were offended. The threat was allegedly in response to inappropriate comments being made toward a family member of Bauer by a Washburn student.
Washburn Public School Superintendent Brad Rinas said he was made aware of the threat on Sunday, after Bauer’s arrest. He sent an email out that evening addressing parents, students and staff members.
“I regret having to send this out, but this afternoon I was informed by the McLean County Sheriff’s Office that a threat against the school was posted on social media,” Rinas said in the email.
Rinas goes on to explain that school would be held on Monday, but there would be increased law enforcement presence, doors would remain locked and students would stay inside for recess.
