Schools around Kentucky have been forced to cancel classes and heighten security amid threats this week as police investigate.
At least four schools in Louisville took steps to notify parents and heighten security after separate verbal or social media threats.
This comes the same week that two other districts in Kentucky were on heightened alert because of threats. The Marion County School district canceled classes Monday after a threat was made against the high school. A 16-year-old was arrested and charged with terroristic threatening in that case.
Also in Marion County, Kentucky State Police said Tuesday a 14-year-old girl was arrested and charged with terroristic threatening regarding an alleged threat.
In addition this week, Hardin County officials determined that a threat against TK Stone Middle School wasn’t credible, but brought in extra security. Police arrested and charged a teenager with terroristic threatening within 12 hours after receiving the initial report.
Elizabethtown public information officer Chris Denham said Wednesday that threats disrupt the school day and are thoroughly investigated.
Denham said juveniles found to have made threats could face consequences including spending time in the state’s juvenile justice system until the age of 18. He said all threats will be treated as if they are real.
Adair County Schools canceled classes Wednesday after receiving a “substantiated threat.” The district’s superintendent announced that classes were canceled in a Facebook post early Wednesday. Superintendent Jason Faulkner stated in the post that the threat was reported to the school district early Wednesday morning and is under investigation.
The school district has around 2,600 students and is now working with local police, Kentucky State Police and Secret Service to investigate the incident.
Classes were also canceled Wednesday in Taylor County after similar threats, the district said in a Facebook post late Tuesday evening, adding that “none of the online threats have been validated, however, I must err on the side of caution to ensure that students and staff are safe and prepared as we move forward with our school year.”
Taylor County Schools posted on Wednesday afternoon that investigators didn’t identify a valid threat to the school district. It said starting Thursday, increased safety measures will be implemented, including additional law enforcement officials.
The school district has created a team that will be focused on prosecuting cyber threats and crime. Taylor County Schools plans to return to class on Thursday.
The threats at local schools have been especially concerning in the wake of a shooting at a Georgia high school last week that left two students and two teachers dead.
Anyone who sees an alarming is asked to send it to local law enforcement or contact the Safe Schools Tip Line at (866) 393-6659 or submit information online by clicking here.
Source: WDRB
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