Article Image Alt Text

Man in custody following lock-out at local schools

Times Staff Report
 
A man is in custody following an alleged threat involving local schools Thursday morning.
 
The man has been identified as Patrick Robinson, an employee of the Gunnison Watershed RE1J School District since 2001. According to a statement issued by authorities, at approximately 9:20 a.m. Robinson entered Gunnison High School and allegedly made threatening statements that caused alarm. Staff alerted authorities and all RE1J schools immediately went on “lock out” as a precaution.
 
“Staff and students quickly and professionally followed protocol, and staff was in constant contact with local law enforcement. At no time were students in direct danger, and we tried to communicate with parents in a timely manner,” said Doug Tredway, Gunnison RE1J Schools Superintendent. All schools were reopened after Robinson’s arrest.
 
Robinson was located at his home on Cactus Hill immediately northeast of Gunnison. Entrance to Cactus Hill was closed by law enforcement during the late morning.
 
Just before noon, authorities received a report that the suspect had left his home and was in his yard, said Gunnison County Sheriff Rick Besecker. Law enforcement officers moved in from two directions, cutting a wire gate to gain access. Authorities contacted the man on his porch. Shouting could be heard, which Besecker later confirmed was Robinson.

“Local law enforcement and the schools train and communicate for these situations. Having a rapid response plan for the schools helps to ensure student and staff safety while law enforcement can look into the situation and determine a proper response,” said Gunnison Police Chief Keith Robinson.
 
The arrest was made following a coordinated effort between law enforcement officers from Gunnison County Sheriff’s Office, City of Gunnison, Crested Butte Marshal’s Office, Mt. Crested Butte Police Department, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Another man, Edward Quinn IV, also was arrested near Patrick Robinson's residence, accused of non-related bond condition violations.
 
Robinson was booked into the Gunnison County jail for interference with staff, faculty or students of educational institutions, which is a Class 1 Misdemeanor. His bond for the charge is $1,500. Quinn's bond was set at $60,000.
 
Read more about the incident in next week's Gunnison Country Times.

Gunnison Country Times

218 N. Wisconsin Street
Gunnison, CO 81230
Phone: 970-641-1414