News, Police, School News

Sheriff’s Office still seeking tips on April threats against school

by Geoff Fox

The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is still investigating threats of violence made against Hancock Middle Senior High School on social media on April 19.

Sgt. Carly Hose, SRO Supervisor and Public Information Officer for the Sheriff’s Office said anyone with information to the case are encouraged to contact Det./Sgt. Ward at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office.

The threats last month were made via social media the morning of April 19, warning of a shooting spree at the high school.

Police presence at the school was immediate and class schedules were adjusted for that day to change student movements outside and in the school.

A second threat was made later in the day for a shooting on April 20. Parents were worried and some kept their children out of school as a precaution.

No in-person threats were detected during the handling of that threat.

On the heels of the school shooting in Uvalde, Texas, on May 24, Hose said school safety is a top priority for the Sheriff’s Office.

“We understand the flood of emotions that students, staff, and parents must be feeling as a result of the tragedy which occurred in Texas,” Hose said.

In an effort to provide extra support to the school community in Washington County, Hose said the Sheriff’s Office and municipalities would have an increased police presence at local schools.

On May 24, an 18-year old gunman entered Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, and killed at least 19 students and two teachers. Police killed the gunman.