Credit: Tom Sofield/LevittownNow.com
A shooting threat rumor that made its way through Neshaminy High School was unfounded, police said.
Neshaminy officials called Middletown police Tuesday morning at around 7:50 a.m. to report the threat and officers were dispatched to the high school.
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After an investigation, it was determined a text message that circulated among students was a hoax. The student who started the threat was identified, Chief of Police Joseph Bartorilla told LevittownNow.com.
No lockdown was initiated at the school and police checked the building for about 45 minutes before deeming the threat unfounded, Neshaminy spokesman Chris Stanley said. He added the high school will follow a regular scheduled.
“We’ll have an officer detailed at the school today,” Bartorilla said.
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“This investigation also uncovered another similar rumor involving Friday the 13th this week. Again, the source of this rumor was identified and again determined to be unsubstantiated as well at approximately 8:45 a.m.,” Dr. Rob McGee, principal of the high school, wrote in an email.
The district put a message out to parents and the community Tuesday morning.
Bartorilla said the investigation into the rumor was continuing.
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Below is the message the district sent to parents:
This morning at approximately 7:50 AM multiple students reported to NHS administrators and guidance of a rumor that “Someone was going to shoot up the high school” today.
We notified Middletown Township Police Department who immediately sent officers to NHS in a precautionary move as we investigated the rumor. After speaking with many students, the source of the rumor was identified. Fortunately, the rumor was determined to be just that; a rumor without substance at approximately 8:30 AM.
This investigation also uncovered another similar rumor involving Friday the 13th this week. Again, the source of this rumor was identified and again determined to be unsubstantiated as well at approximately 8:45 AM.
I would like to thank the NHS student body for their adult-like and prompt attention to this situation along with the many parent calls to inform NHS of the rumor.\
As always, thank you for your support of NHS.
Rob McGee, Ph.D.
Principal
Neshaminy High School
