Man says threat against school ‘taken out of context’

The man who police say sent a threatening email to the Peninsula School District says it was taken out of context.

The district office, as well as Kopachuck and Harbor Ridge Middle Schools, were placed into modified lockdown on Thursday after receiving the threat, which had to do with a high-profile bullying incident that was being reported by the media.

“We did serve a search warrant on the IP address for the email and ended up going to Lynnwood where we contacted the individual,” said Sgt. Mike Blair with the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office. “He, of course, stated that this was completely taken out of context and that he didn’t mean what he said.”

Blair said the case has been referred to the prosecutor’s office, which will determine whether charges should be filed.

Meanwhile, sheriff’s deputies continue their criminal investigation into the incident that prompted the email.

John Rosi, a teacher at Kopachuck Middle School in Gig Harbor, was caught on video watching as students bullied a classmate. Rosi can also be seen joining in.

He was suspended for 10 days without pay when the incident occurred in February, but was placed on paid leave Friday following a number of complaints from concerned parents.