ROANOKE COUNTY, Va. – UPDATE
A social media threat that sparked an increased police presence at Northside High School Friday turned out to not be against the school, according to Roanoke County Public Schools.
School officials and local authorities determined that the threat that was posted “falsely attached Northside to the message.”
Authorities say they have identified the suspect behind the threat and say they are working with them to ensure the safety of the school community.
While officials say the threat was not against Northside, there will still be an increased police presence at the school Friday.
The full statement is below:
“Working in conjunction with the Roanoke County Police Department and neighboring agencies, it was determined that the threat was not against Northside. The social media posting falsely attached Northside to the message. The police have identified the suspect behind the threat and we are working with them to ensure the safety of our students and school community. We want to thank the numerous parents, students, faculty, and community members who notified both school officials and the police department. The safety of the Northside High School community is our number one priority and we will not tolerate those who make these kinds of statements or disrupt our community by making false accusations. We will continue to have additional police presence at Northside High School today.”
ORIGINAL STORY
A social media post describing a potential threat to Northside High School has caused students and parents alike to be concerned.
Roanoke County School officials say they are aware of the social media post and the potential threat.
School officials and Roanoke County police are investigating, and there will be increased police presence on Friday morning when school starts two hours late. Schools are already delayed due to weather, after the area saw heavy rain and flooding.
This is a developing story. Stay with 10 News for updates.