A sixth grader allegedly told students that a bomb would be detonated at Central Middle School today during the national emergency broadcast test.
Deputies cleared the school this morning, according to the sheriff’s office, and found no explosive device. At the recommendation of law enforcement, Superintendent Jonathan Williams said Central would release at 1 p.m. Whiteville High School – which shares buses with the middle school – would dismiss at 2 p.m., Principal Ronna Gore said in a social media post.
“The (juvenile) that made the threat was taken into custody,” a press release from the sheriff’s office said. “Juvenile Justice was contacted but Scott Hererra with Juvenile Justice refused secured custody. Therefore, the juvenile was released to the custody of their parents/guardians.”
The threat was the second against city schools this week. Monday’s emailed threat led to evacuations of all four city schools. No device was found and classes resumed around 10:30 a.m. Monday.
This afternoon’s test of the national emergency alert system is scheduled for 2:20 p.m., and will be broadcast all radio and television channels, as well as cellular telephones.
