A potential witness was questioned and classroom attendance logs were checked, and by 12:15, three suspects had been detained for questioning. Meanwhile, a $300 reward has been offered for information leading to the apprehension of the responsible person(s).
The Pinal County Sheriff's Office promptly responded to our call and is assisting in the investigation. Sheriff's deputies are also conducting a thorough sweep of the campus. Regardless of the outcome, however, please rest assured that we will be evacuating the building at the time designated in the threat in order to avoid any chance that any student or staff might be endangered.
While Florence USD has not had any bomb threats for a few years, we do have ample experience in dealing with them. While our first priority is to protect the safety and well-being of our students and staff, catching the responsible party is also a high priority - to ensure continued security, to minimize disruption in the classroom, and to send the message loud and clear that every threat is taken seriously, and violence, whether real or implied, will not be tolerated.
UPDATE: RE: BOMB THREAT AT POSTON BUTTE HIGH SCHOOL
This is Dana Hawman, Director of Public Relations for Florence USD, calling with an update for Poston Butte High School.
First, we take all bomb threats seriously. As such, tomorrow morning, prior to school, we will conduct another sweep of the campus, searching every nook and cranny, including the rooftops.
Generally, the purpose of a bomb threat in a school is to disrupt the educational process – and it succeeds because safety is our top priority, even above education.
We are about 80% certain that we know who is responsible for the threat, but we do not know beyond a reasonable doubt.
The time stated in the threat is tomorrow, Friday, at noon.
At noon tomorrow, no kids will be in the building. Sheriff’s deputies will be on campus as well.
All classes will continue as planned.
We appreciate your cooperation and trust in this situation, and assure you that the party responsible for the threat will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.
Thank you.
