ELIZABETHTOWN — According to local law enforcement and public school officials, a suspicious package and potential bomb threat was reported at East Bladen High at about 9:15 a.m. Thursday.
”All students and staff were immediately evacuated from the building,” a statement from Bladen County Schools Public Information Officer Elly Johnson stated. “After a thorough sweep of the school’s parking lots and busses, students began being evacuated from campus.
“Students who drove themselves to school and had their keys at the time of evacuation were able to go home.” the statement continued. “All other students were relocated to the National Guard Armory in Elizabethtown.”
Parents were then sent to the Armory to check out car riders and students who drove themselves to school but didn’t have their keys at the time of evacuation. Bus riders were able to go home on their bus.
“The safety of our students is always a top priority. I am grateful for the quick response from our local emergency services personnel who worked with our staff to quickly and safely evacuate the building,” said Superintendent Jason Atkinson.
Law enforcement offials with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office said there was nothing found at or around the school.
Bladen County Sheriff’s Office deputies, along with the Elizabethtown Fire Department and Emergency Management personnel conducted a search of the school grounds and campus. The Bladen County Sheriff’s Office is conducting an investigation into the individual or individuals who reported the suspicious package.
The school was re-opened Thursday afternoon for students who wanted to get any personal belongings from the school. An EBHS staff member escorted students while they were in the building.
All after-school activities for Thursday were postponed but were to operate as normal on Friday.
W. Curt Vincent can be reached at 910-862-4163 or [email protected].
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