1000 x 90

‘Rumored Threats of Violence’ at Watauga High School Prompts Increased Police Presence Today, April 4

April 4, 2012. BOONE — According to Sergeant Matt Stevens, The Boone Police Department will have an increased police presence around Watauga High School on Wednesday, April 4, 2012. This action is in response to rumored threats of violence at Watauga High School. The Boone Police Department, in conjunction with Watauga High School Administrators, have decided to take a proactive stance to ensure the safety of our children. Faculty, staff and students are urged to attend school as usual but remain vigilant for anything out of the ordinary. If suspicious activity is observed, contact the Boone Police Department at (828) 268-6900 or 911.

According to Sergeant Shane Robbins, late in the day on April 3, 2012, the School Resource Officer at Watauga High School was notified of threats being made towards a group of Watauga High School students by a non-student or non-students via text messaging. The unidentified person/persons threatened to harm the students today. The students were worried that the unknown person/persons would come to the school.  Gang activity and weapons were mentioned in at least one of the text messages. These threats prompted the Watauga High School administration to initiate a notification of parents. The Boone Police Department also released a short statement concerning increased officer presence at the campus on Wednesday, April 4, 2012.

Additional officers were present this morning during the commencement of classes and increased officer presence will continue on a random schedule. The Boone Police Department is conducting an investigation into this incident. The Watauga County Sheriff’s Office assisted with this incident.  Boone Police Department, Watauga County Sheriff’s Office and Watauga County School System will respond promptly to all reports of gang activity or violence in our community and on our school campuses.          

Anyone with information concerning this incident is urged to contact the Boone Police Department.