
Durham police are intensifying their efforts to locate a man charged with threatening mass violence on educational property. The suspect, identified as Kellen L. Cuttance, is directly accused of an incident that rattled the local community on December 16, according to an announcement by the Durham Police Department. Cuttance remains at large, prompting authorities to enlist the community's assistance in apprehending him.
Yesterday, the police department issued charges against Cuttance for communicating a threat of mass violence, a serious felony offense. The precise details of the threat remain unclear, but police clarified that it occurred on the 4700 block of Erwin Road. Despite the gravity of the situation, Cuttance's current whereabouts are unknown, officials reported to CBS 17.
In the aftermath of the incident, the community has voiced concern, underscored by recent tragic events elsewhere. "Schools are meant to be safe places and safe havens for children who fight a lot of battles that we are not aware of," remarked Kaylee Rochelle, a local teacher, expressing the widespread unease spurred by any threat made towards educational institutions, as reported in an interview by WRAL News. The threat has particularly unsettled residents in wake of a recent school shooting in Wisconsin.
Nearby institutions, such as Hope Creek Academy and Forest Creek Elementary, find themselves in the vicinity of the reported incident location. While law enforcement has not disclosed which school was specifically threatened, the impact of the news has been tangible across the academic communities. Durham police have urged anyone with information on Cuttance's location to come forward, detailing that anonymous tips are welcome and that Crimestoppers offers cash rewards for leads resulting in felony arrests, as per details shared by ABC11. The information can aid authorities in resolving this alarming situation and restoring a sense of security to affected students and faculty.
Those with knowledge of Cuttance's whereabout or any relevant information are asked to contact Investigator Bongarten at 919-560-4440, ext. 29349, or Durham Crimestoppers at 919-683-1200.