Man who prompted Coupeville School District alert taken into custody | UPDATE

A man whose suspicious behavior in Coupeville prompted schools officials to send out an alert to parents was taken into custody in Port Angeles Thursday afternoon, according to Coupeville Marshal Dave Penrod.

The district sent instant message alerts to parents Thursday morning regarding odd behavior by 49-year-old James Simon Naval, though the district didn't name him. On Wednesday he made non-specific, written and verbal threats to members of the community, including a person on the campus of the Coupeville Elementary School.

The district emphasized that Naval didn't make any threats directed at students or school staff members.

"We do feel our students are safe," Superintendent Patty Page said, explaining that there are no changes to the school schedule.

Penrod explained in a press release that Naval was in Coupeville Wednesday handing out a list of a dozen names to businesses in town. When asked about the list, Naval said "it would all be clear in a couple of days." Penrod said no students or school staff names were on the list.

Also, Naval contacted a parent at the elementary school, but didn't make any threats to teachers or students.

"While no specific threats were made against the individuals, this activity is concerning and the Coupeville Marshal's Office is currently seeking Naval for questioning," Penrod wrote. He said in an interview that he's still investigating the case and couldn't be more specific about details.

Page said district employees were on alert and district officials worked with the Coupeville Marshal's Office.

According to Penrod, Naval's last known address was in Port Angeles.

Contact Whidbey News Times Assistant editor Jessie Stensland at jstensland@whidbeynewsgroup.com or 360.675.6611 ext. 5056.

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