Batavia Middle School is in lock-down. No one is being allowed to leave or enter the buildings but law enforcement is not giving a reason just yet.
Law enforcement told WBTA's Dan Fischer that "there's nothing to be concerned about at this time."
The incident began within the last hour and four city police cars and a State Police K-9 unit responded to the Ross Street school.
UPDATE 2:27 p.m.: The students are safely inside the school. Howard is now on scene.
UPDATE 2:34 p.m.: The lock-down is over. According to Superintendent Chris Dailey, there was a verbal threat made and authorities investigated it and determined it to be unfounded. Responders are back in service.
UPDATE 2:59 p.m.: Superintendent Dailey made this statement to the media: "We contacted the police. They came in, did an assesement and we were given the all clear. Now we’re out of the lock-down. And they are following up on the verbal threat as we speak."
The lock-down lasted about 45 minutes.
"There was a verbal threat against the school. We'll have more to say when they are done with the investigation."
Asked if the tragic bombing Monday at the Boston Marathon made people all the more edgy today, he said it did.
"We're all on edge, absolutely, and looking to make sure everyone is safe, which is our number one priority. That's why we went through all the policies and procedures and made sure we followed through on everything and made sure the students were safe."
UPDATE 3:45 p.m.: Here's a press release from Police Chief Shawn Heubusch:
"At approximately 1325 hrs. the Batavia Police Deparetment responded to a 'bomb threat' at the Batavia Middle School. The threat was called into the school by an unknown person.
"Upon arrival Asst. Chief Yaeger and Sgt. Camp directed patrols to perform a cursory search of the interior and exterior of building with the assistance of Middle School staff, looking for anything suspcious. Nothing was located. The Bomb Disposal unit from the New York State Police was requested to the scene. Trooper Jackson responded and performed a more detailed search utilizing a K-9 trained in explosive detection. No device was located and the school returned to normal activity.
The Batavia Police Department is currently investigating the matter and has developed leads from the investigation.
The Batavia School District should be commended for its quick response and action taken during this event."
In addition to Yaeger and Camp and Trooper Jackson, the investigating officers are: officers Davis, Lawrence, Richards and Hill.
UPDATE 4:28 p.m.: Below is a copy of a letter that is being sent to middle school parents.
Dear Middle School Parent/Guardian,
Today the Middle School received a verbal threat to the school via the telephone. Law enforcement officials were notified immediately and the building was placed in a low level shelter in place situation until we were cleared by the authorities.
Although we cannot plan for every type of emergency that might occur, we want you to know that we have increased our surveillance, including locking the outside door of the attendance office. Please feel free to call an administrator if you have any questions about this or about our Emergency Management Plan. The safety of our students and staff is of the utmost importance to us all.
Sincerely,
Sandra C. Griffin
Principal
