Another student arrested in bomb threats
A student was apprehended Wednesday in connection with a bomb threat last Friday at Laurel Highlands High School, marking the third arrest to follow a rash of five threats. Superintendent Dr. Ronald Sheba confirmed the arrest Wednesday after spending much of the day dispelling rumors and speaking with the media about the string of threats that began March 9 and continued through March 18.
He said recent action by the school board and Fayette County Crime Stoppers to offer rewards for information about the threats has provided vital information to the state police, which are still investigating the other two incidents.
“I feel certain we’ll catch every one who is involved,” Sheba said. “We’ll prosecute and ask for full reimbursement through the court system.”
State police charged two ninth-grade students Tuesday with terroristic threats and causing or risking a catastrophe in connection with a written threat found March 15 in the boys’ restroom on the first floor of the high school.
Police arrived at the school Wednesday at 6:30 a.m. to search in and around school grounds, amid rumors of an incident that never materialized, Sheba said.
“Unfortunately, as a result of the rumors, a lot of people did get fearful, but the day went on as normal as possible,” he said. “Police found nothing, but with their help, we were able to solve another case.”
According to reports, nearly half of the students at the high school were absent Wednesday, despite the lack of interruption.
Sheba said people who hear any rumored threat involving the school district need to take it seriously and also find out the source of the comments.
“We’re asking for help from the community to get all of these cases resolved,” he said.
The school board has offered a $500 reward for information on each incident, while Crime Stoppers has put up a $1,000 reward for information leading the arrest of anyone involved with the bomb threats.
Students have not been permitted to bring cellular phones into the school since last Friday. School officials will confiscate cell phones if students are found in possession of them without receiving previous approval from the district.