Threat prompts Puna elementary school to go into lockdown

A 36-year-old woman is in police custody Wednesday after a threat resulted in Keaau Elementary School being locked down for over an hour.

Police responding to the 9 a.m. call learned that an upset employee, after going through a meeting with the school administrative staff, made a remark threatening the school, according to the Hawaii Police Department. The remark was heard by another school employee who reported it to the school’s principal.

Immediately after receiving this information the school implemented the lockdown to ensure the safety of students and staff, according to police. Due to the pandemic, the elementary school has about 15 students and 60 staff members on the adjusted school schedule.

The suspect, a 36-year old Keaau woman identified as Raquel Solis, was located at her residence where she was arrested by police.

“We want to reassure the parents whose children attend the Keaau Elementary School that at no time were their children in jeopardy,” said Sgt. Ryan Pagan, “working cooperatively with the school, Department of Education, and having procedures and protocols in place to address these types of situations protects our “keiki” and provides public safety.”

Later Wednesday, Solis was charged with disorderly conduct, a petty misdemeanor. She was released on her own recognizance and ordered to appear in court on Dec. 17.