County on-edge, schools closed as precaution
Robbinsville – Graham County schools were closed Wednesday, Dec. 7, following a prank bomb threat called into the schools telephone hotline.
The school system – which includes Robbinsville Elementary, Middle and High schools – sent out an alert Wednesday morning advising parents, staff and students about the closures “due to the investigation of a potential safety risk.”
The all-clear was sent out several hours later, putting a jittery school community at ease following school shootings and threats at other schools around the nation, including a threatened school shooting in Cherokee County just the week before.
School in Graham County resumed the next day with counselors available for students and extra security from the school system’s own resource officers reinforced with Graham County sheriff’s deputies.
Around 4:30 a.m. Dec. 7, the Graham County Sheriff’s Office was notified about a threat at Robbinsville High School.
The sheriff’s office – along with Graham County Schools officials – evacuated the school and secured the perimeter.
With the help of Asheville Police Department, Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office, Waynesville Police Department and Jackson County Sheriff’s Office bomb detecting dogs, the Graham County Sheriff’s Office and an agent from the N.C. Department of Insurance searched the schools.
“Through an intensive search there were no devices located,” Graham County Sheriff Brad Hoxit said in a news release. “With the assistance of the SBI (State Bureau of Investigation), we were able to locate a suspect.”
Detectives from the Graham County Sheriff’s Office interviewed the suspect, who Hoxit said confessed to the prank. Hoxit said the suspect – a juvenile – is a Robbinsville High School student.
No information was released about the consequences the student faces because of his or her age.
Hoxit thanked the agencies involved for their assistance.
“I feel that this incident was handled flawlessly and is a prime example of how all agencies should work together,” Hoxit said.
Graham County Schools later issued a statement about the incident.
“As the incident unfolded, every detail was considered carefully and thoroughly,” the announcement said. “We are grateful for the partnership among our school officials, School Resource Officer Jack Booth, Graham County Sheriff’s Office and other responding law enforcement agencies who dealt with the incident swiftly and professionally to bring forth resolution to the matter.”
The Graham County Sheriff’s Office provided additional security to the schools Dec. 8 “to help provide a safe environment for all,” the school system announced.
“Our school team has worked hard today to ensure that additional counselors will be available to assist students/staff, if necessary. At the end of the day, we are thankful for a peaceful resolution and the safety of our students, staff and community and for the bravery of those who choose to lead, protect and serve in any capacity,” according to the announcement.
Parents were understandably concerned following the initial notice.
“Apparently there was a bomb threat from a student. What’s wrong with this world?” Miranda Pendergrass posted on the Graham County Schools’ Facebook page. “The ‘hoax’ active shooter threat at Murphy High School last week really made my anxiety hit an all time high. Hoax or not it could really happen and I’m not willing to take that risk. Need to have metal detectors at all schools.”
Following the all-clear, relieved followers also commented.
“That’s awesome,” Ben Ward wrote on the school district’s Facebook page. “I hope he sets examples of the ones that do stuff like this and that is a turning point for our county for the best.”
Sasha Watty offered her observations.
“Shout-out to all agencies and individuals involved,” she said. “But let’s step back with a different look at the outcome with the individual. There definitely needs to be consequences, BUT let’s not forget this person is a juvenile. And basically screaming for attention or help! Please get them any help or counseling needed, then find out the root to this threat. Often these steps are jumped with harsher actions and the kid never gets the correct help.”
Lindsey Haney gave her thanks to “all the brave men and women, who took such great caution about this situation and is handling it in the best way possible. Also, thank you for making us parents feel safe by providing additional security to our schools to ensure the safety of our children and all staff members. I’m thankful every brave individual who helped assess this situation is safe.”