Clifton Middle School closed Friday after student threatens other students with list, police say

Authorities say the student was taken into custody

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COVINGTON, Va. – Clifton Middle School will be closed Friday out of an abundance of caution after a student made a list of other students they intended to harm, according to school officials.

The Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office wants to assure the public that the threat wasn’t carried out and says a juvenile suspect has been taken into custody and is under supervision.

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Clifton Middle School confirmed to 10 News that they received the tip regarding the list at about 2 p.m. on Thursday and the sheriff’s office began investigating immediately.

The sheriff’s office retrieved the list of CMS students during the investigation, and the parents/guardians of said students have been contacted.

“The sheriff’s office is confident that this is an isolated situation involving only the one juvenile suspect, and that any potential threat has been addressed,” said Col. Matt Bowser of the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office.

The decision to close the school on Friday is a result of an ongoing discussion between the school division and the sheriff’s office, officials said.

At this time, charges are pending.


About the Author:

Jazmine Otey joined the 10 News team in February 2021.