 Police Invesstigate bogus bomb threat
MARTINSVILLE, Va.
The Martinsville Police Department is investigating a bogus bomb threat at Martinsville High School. The call came into the E-911 dispatch center at 10:02 a.m. The caller, while trying to disguise their voice, claimed that there was a bomb at the high school.
Personnel from the Martinsville Police Department, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office, and Martinsville Fire & EMS responded to the call within minutes. All students were evacuated from the school and taken a safe distance away from the building.
Henry County Sheriff’s Deputy Brian Punturi responded with his canine “Webster.” Deputy Punturi is a school resource officer at Fieldale-Collinsville Middle School in nearby Henry County. Webster is a canine officer trained in explosives and firearms detection.
A thorough sweep was made of the entire school premises. No explosives or contraband were found. There were no injuries in this incident. Investigators have developed a suspect, who is a juvenile. The call was traced to a cell phone which was used in close proximity to school property. Students were allowed to return to class earlier this afternoon.
Anyone with information in reference to this case is asked to call the Martinsville Police Department Investigations Unit at 403-5301 or Crime Stoppers. Crime Stoppers pays rewards of up to $1,000 in certain cases. You do not have to reveal your identity. Report tips anonymously to 63-CRIME (276-632-7463). |