Parents pull kids from school after threats from former inmate

WALWORTH (WITI) -- Walworth County former inmate Colton Syverson is no longer behind bars, but comments made by the man while in custody have some concerned parents pulling their children out of school.

Syverson was released from Walworth County jail in August for misdemeanor criminal charges, although threats made by the man have since gone viral.

"This guy says he's not going to kill just one, but a bunch of kids, and they are saying he's crazy, don't listen to him," said one mother who was too afraid to be identified.

After reading an online post of what Syverson allegedly told deputies, some parents decided to take their kids out of school.

Walworth County deputies sent a letter to all school administrators in the county regarding the threats Syverson made while in custody which included "wanting to commit suicide at a school and convincing the kids to commit suicide with him."

Deputies noted that the threats were "assessed by professionals at Health and Human Services and deemed not credible."

Parents aren't buying it.

"Somebody who makes threats like that, how do you know if they are serious or not? When they snap or do it?" asked the concerned mother.

FOX6 visited Syverson's last known address and was told he no longer resides there. A former roommate says Syverson is known to say "dumb things."

In the statement sent to schools, Walworth County deputies had this to say about Syverson:

"Since his release from our jail, we have not had any contacts with him whatsoever. He is not wanted at this time."

Shaken parents say they'd like to see police keeping tabs on Syverson so they know he's nowhere near area schools, however authorities do not believe the man is a threat.