North Penn School District officials have decided to proceed with their usual class schedule on Tuesday at Penndale Middle School following a pair of threats against the school that were made Monday morning.
According to Lansdale Borough Police Chief Michael Trail, a threat of an active shooter at Penndale Middle School was received via a 911 call by Montgomery County Dispatch at 9:45 a.m. on Jan. 30. As a result of the threat, police were sent to the school, where students were placed in a “hold” — meaning the had to remain in their classrooms and not traverse from one class to another — and the building was placed under a “lock out,” meaning no one was allowed to enter or exit the building.
Approximately one hour later, county dispatch received a second 911 call involving a bomb threat against the school, Trail said. As a result, police and district officials decided to dismiss the students early so police could sweep the campus for any threats.
At the time, Trail said the active shooter call was unfounded and the sweep was conducted out of an abundance of caution for the students and staff. Ultimately, no device or threat was found on the campus.
Both Trail and school district officials also denied a widespread rumor that a student had been handcuffed and arrested, stating that no such incident had occurred and no arrests had been made.
Following the sweep through the buildings, North Penn officials said they were discussing the possibility of holding a virtual day for Penndale students on Tuesday, however an email sent to parents early Monday evening indicated that classes will be held on Tuesday per usual.
Additional information is expected to be released by police Tuesday morning. To read previous coverage of the incident, click here.
See also:
Penndale Middle School Dismissing Early as Police Sweep Building Following Bomb Threat
Concerns Raised After Videos of Students Fighting at Penndale Surface Online, District Responds
Student Charged After Threatening to ‘Shoot Up’ Penndale Middle School
Penndale Middle School Locked Down Tuesday, Three BB Guns Found (UPDATED)
Penndale Memorial Garden Revitalized for Memorial Day Weekend
