11:45 a.m.
The 14-year-old freshman male who threatened to bring a weapon to Warhill High School wasn’t allowed back to school on Friday, said Betsy Overkamp-Smith, a spokesperson for Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools.
“It was simply a statement with no credibility,” Overkamp-Smith said.
The James City County Police Department determined that the student wasn’t a threat on Thursday afternoon. Now the school division is doing an independent investigation to determine a consequence for the student, Overkamp-Smith said.
The investigation is ongoing, Overkamp-Smith said.
11:15 a.m.
Police investigated a report of a 14-year-old freshman boy who threatened to bring a weapon to Warhill High School on Friday, said Stephanie Williams, a spokeswoman for the James City County Police Department, in an email.
The investigation happened on Thursday afternoon after police learned that the boy made statements to other students about bringing the weapon to school, Williams said.
Police interviewed students, including the boy and his parents, and determined that the student was not a threat, Williams said.
6:53 a.m.
Warhill High School’s principal addressed parents Thursday night following safety concerns at the Williamsburg school, an official said.
Jeff Carroll, principal of the school, sent a telephone message to parents telling them a student made a statement to other students about bringing a weapon to school, a release said.
Police determined the student was not a threat.
“Please always remember that students and families are encouraged to contact us, and, when appropriate, law enforcement when there is knowledge of any threat to our students, staff and school,” Carroll said.
Carroll’s full message is as follows:
“Good evening, this is Jeff Carroll, principal of Warhill High School.
“This afternoon, there were several rumors about Warhill High School in our community and on social media. After a thorough investigation by the James City County Police Department, it was determined that a student made a statement to other students about bringing a weapon to Warhill High School. Police have determined that the student is not a threat to the safety of the school.
“We also will conduct a school investigation and will take action, as appropriate. Additionally, while we are confident the school is safe, to help ease any concerns we will have an additional School Resource Officer at Warhill tomorrow.
“I’d like to thank the families who shared their concerns with the police department. Please always remember that students and families are encouraged to contact us, and, when appropriate, law enforcement when there is knowledge of any threat to our students, staff and school. It is vital that we provide a safe learning environment for our students and staff, and we can help ensure that by working together to address any safety concerns.
“Thank you for your support of Warhill High School, and, students, I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.”
