Boy charged with B.G. bomb threats to have competency evaluation

A psychologist will decide if a Battle Ground boy accused of making threats to bomb Chief Umtuch Middle School is competent enough to face the charges against him.

Jeff A. Erwin, 14, was set to be arraigned Monday in Clark County Juvenile Court on charges of harassment death threats and making threats to bomb, both felonies.

However his attorney, Gayle Ihringer, instead filed a motion before Court Commissioner Dayann Liebman to have Erwin visit a psychologist before the case proceeds.

“It’s a routine matter with someone so young to look into their competency,” Ihringer said. “This puts a hold on everything.”

Erwin, who was a student at the middle school, is accused of making threats to bomb the school and kill the students and staff on Sept. 11, according to court documents.

Battle Ground police were called at about 8:30 p.m. Sept. 10 to the middle school, 700 N.W. Ninth St., for a report of two threats submitted anonymously to a message board on the school’s website. The middle school and five other Battle Ground schools were closed Sept. 11 as a precaution.

The next court hearing in the case is scheduled for Nov. 18.