By Miles Layton
PLYMOUTH — My Phone was blowing up early Thursday – folks reported a heavy law enforcement presence – so the Albemarle Observer reached out to Washington County Schools Superintendent David O. White and local law enforcement.
Yes, Washington County Schools closed and secured its campuses Thursday morning after receiving a potential threat through its anonymous tip line, Superintendent White said in a statement.
White said the district acted quickly “out of an abundance of caution” to protect students and staff. The statement did not describe the nature of the threat, say which schools it targeted or specify when the tip was received beyond “earlier this morning.”
Let’s not speculate until we know what’s what – let law enforcement investigate.
Law enforcement agencies from across the region assisted. White thanked the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, Plymouth Police Department, the Martin, Tyrrell and Chowan County Sheriff’s Offices, the Beaufort and Bertie County Sheriff’s Departments and the N.C. State Highway Patrol for their support and mutual aid.
“We are working closely with law enforcement to identify the individual responsible and will support prosecution to the fullest extent of the law,” White said.
No arrests or injuries were reported in the statement, and it did not say whether any suspect had been identified.
White thanked staff, students and families for their “prompt response and cooperation.”
The district plans to issue an update later Thursday afternoon on whether schools will be open Friday.
“The safety and security of our students and staff remain our highest priority,” White said.
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