Charles Town, WV (DG) – A bomb threat prompted a massive law enforcement response and school lockdowns in Jefferson County Wednesday morning.
According to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, the threat was reported around 10:20 a.m. at Wildwood Middle School when a man called claiming he was in the parking lot with an AR-15 and demanded the school be evacuated within 15 minutes. The caller also said explosive devices had been placed around the campus.
School officials immediately contacted 911, leading to a rapid response from local, state, and federal authorities. Wildwood Middle School and Jefferson High School were placed on lockdown, while all other schools in the county were put on secure status.
Authorities conducted an extensive sweep of the campus and found no weapons or explosives. Students and staff were safely relocated to Sam Michael Park for reunification with families.
Officials note that hoax threats like this have been increasing in recent years and carry serious consequences. In West Virginia, making a bomb threat to a school is a felony punishable by prison time, fines, or both, along with potential federal charges.
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