Clifton Middle School student facing felony charge after alleged threat against classmates

School closed Friday as a precaution, set to reopen Monday

ALLEGHANY COUNTY, Va. – The halls at Clifton Middle School were empty on Friday. Out of an abundance of caution, the school was closed after a student allegedly made a threat.

Alleghany Highlands Public Schools released a statement saying they got a tip around 2 p.m. Thursday that the student compiled a list of classmates the student intended to harm.

However, in that statement, Col. Matt Bowser with the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office said, “At no time were any acts of actual harm carried out by the student.”

That student was arrested on Thursday. Friday morning, a closed court hearing took place.

10 News reached out to the students’ parents, however they’re under court orders not to discuss the case. The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office, the Sheriff’s Office and the school division all declined to comment further.

In the statement released Friday morning, Col. Bowser said, “We have to take any threat seriously with the enhanced violence occurring across our country.”

The student is charged with a felony. Investigators say more charges could be filed.

Clifton Middle School will reopen Monday.


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