West Columbus High and West Columbus School were temporarily evacuated today after a bomb threat, making the third for the county this week, including one this morning.
Deputies searched the schools and found no evidence of an explosive device, according to a statement on the school system’s social media platforms.
“West Columbus School and West Columbus High School received bomb threats this afternoon shortly after 12 p.m.,” the post read. “Following procedure, students were immediately taken to safe locations outside the premises while law enforcement secured the area.”
After the search, students were returned to classes.
“Student safety is the top priority for our students. When law enforcement arrives at a school, we follow their directives. This often involves restricting visitors from entering or leaving campus,” the statement said.
Asst. Superintendent Kelly Jones said no students or staff were hurt, and all classes are back to normal.
The threat was the second one today.
Central Middle in Whiteville was evacuated this morning after a sixth grader told students that a bomb was set to explode at the school during the national emergency alert test at 2:20 p.m. today. The student was turned over to Juvenile Justice authorities, who declined to press charges, according to a statement from the sheriff’s office.
All four city schools were evacuated and searched Monday after a threat was emailed to the system.
