Two Tecumseh High School Students suspected of ‘Columbine-like’ plot

On Thursday morning, Sept. 11, Tecumseh High School Assistant Principal Angel Mensing received an anonymous phone call concerning a particular student who was planning to do something to hurt staff and students, according to an email sent to staff from Dr. Kelly Coffin, Supt., on Friday, Sept. 12. The email continues, “The caller did not think that anything was planned for this particular day (9/11), but the caller just wanted the school to know due to the significance of the date.” Another call came in a short time later with similar concern. “I am so glad and thankful they did,” said Coffin in a phone call Friday. “These kids need help. This could have could have been pretty tragic.” On Thursday, Sept. 11, the high school was put on a “soft” lockdown, where students are not allowed to go to their lockers between classes during passing time. Coffin said that the school routinely practices these drills and no students raised any concerns. The email continues, “The High School administrators worked all morning to piece together information they had received and were able to identify the students that the two callers referenced. They spent the afternoon working in conjunction with Tecumseh Police Department to investigate the situation. Additional evidence was provided to administration, which in turn was passed on to the Tecumseh Police Department.”Coffin described the students as two 16-year-olds.Tecumseh Police Dispatcher Krisiten Smith said there was no information available at this time to pass along.