No explosive found at Lee Williams following bomb threat
KINGMAN – A social media post perceived to convey a possible bomb threat prompted law enforcement response and a security safety sweep of the Lee Williams High school campus in downtown Kingman early Tuesday, Jan. 25. No explosive devices were discovered and no injuries were reported.
Kingman Unified School District (KUSD) superintendent Gretchen Dorner said the episode began about 8:10 a.m., during first period classes and that school resumed about an hour later when public safety officials declared the campus to be clear of threat and safe.
Kingman Police Chief Rusty Cooper said Burlington Northern Santa Fe Police, who have access to a bomb sniffing dog, assisted in the search of the school grounds. He said the dog was not deployed but his handler and other railroad personnel were available to help.
“Investigators did not locate anything to confirm the threat,” a police news release said. “The investigation remains ongoing with the assistance of the Mohave County Sheriff’s office.”
Dorner said the auxiliary gym and cafeteria were searched first, before students were placed there while the rest of the campus was checked and cleared. Students sometimes stage outside during threats or drills, but the interior space provided more comfort.
“We used those areas so the kids could keep warm,” Dorner said. “It was very cold this morning.”
Dorner said disruption of education and threats to schools, staff and students are taken seriously by the school district and by law enforcement. Student perpetrators are frequently expelled while also exposed to potential prosecution.
Dave Hawkins
