A phone threat at River Hill High School in Clarksville, Maryland, forced Howard County Public School officials to put the campus in lockdown at about 1:45 PM Tuesday, WBAL-TV (NBC affiliate) reports.
Police were told a student with a gun and a bomb was inside the school. The threat was determined to be a hoax, and police were reportedly interviewing several students about the hoax Wednesday, WBFF-TV (FOX affiliate) reports.
School officials immediately put the school in lockdown, and the timing of the threat, so close to dismissal, presented a challenge when it came to reuniting students with their families. It also caused a ripple effect in terms of providing bus service to other schools in the district, Howard County Superintendent of Schools Michael Martirano told the community in a letter.
“I also am appreciative of the patience and understanding of parents, guardians, and family members who were understandably concerned about the welfare of their children,” he wrote. “I spoke to many of you at the reunification site and empathize with the concern you must have had throughout the afternoon. I’m sure I share your great relief to now know that students and staff were safe at all times.”
Because the police response escalated quickly and came well-armed, many people were undoubtedly shocked at the police activity at the school.
“I suspect students, staff, families, and even those who may have seen parts of the response on social media were taken aback by what they witnessed at River Hill,” Mr Martirano continued. “But I am grateful to know that when we receive a threat to our children and staff as significant as this one, that police will respond at such a high level. The safety of our schools is our top priority, and I am grateful to know that Chief Der and the HCPD share that priority.”
