Crystal Spring Elementary School evacuated due to bomb threat

Police later deemed the threat was not credible

Students and staff at Crystal Spring Elementary School were evacuated on Thursday afternoon due to a bomb threat, according to the school division.

ROANOKE, Va. – Students and staff at Crystal Spring Elementary School were evacuated on Thursday afternoon due to a bomb threat, according to the school division.

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According to the Roanoke Police Department, someone called around 2:30 p.m., said there was an explosive at the school, then hung up.

As police were responding to the school, the call was traced to a Roanoke City residence. Police said it was a boy that made the phone call, who had no means to carry out the threat.

Authorities said there was never a danger to students and staff.

Out of an abundance of caution, additional law enforcement was present while students were dismissed for the day, according to a message from Principal Jason Rooney.

“Roanoke City Public Schools does not tolerate threats or acts of violence. Students and families are reminded to immediately say something if they see or hear something. At the same time, we also ask families to talk with their child about the consequences of making threats. Actual threats or jokes about threats will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary actions and may be punishable by law,” Principal Rooney said.

Police said detectives are working with the Commonwealth Attorney’s Office, Roanoke City Public Schools, and the Roanoke Sheriff’s Office to resolve this situation as the investigation is ongoing.

This comes after an incident at Grandin Court Elementary School in which a fifth-grader allegedly threatened other students, teachers, and police. A decision has not yet been made on the situation. Read more here.


About the Author

Alli Graham came aboard the digital team as an evening digital content producer in June 2022.

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