NORFOLK — Police Chief Charles Stone and Superintendent Ingrid Allardi report that Norfolk Public Schools officials and the Norfolk Police Department are working together in response to alleged threats made by an individual outside of the Freeman-Kennedy School on Monday.
On Monday, June 6, at approximately 4 p.m., a staff member at the Freeman-Kennedy School allegedly witnessed and overheard a juvenile male who approached students who were outside of the school and made threats of violence.
Staff members immediately led all students inside and contacted Norfolk Police.
Information provided by the school staff member enabled Norfolk Police to quickly identify the individual who made the threats, and police made contact with that individual and his parents soon after.
The juvenile who allegedly made the threats is undergoing a medical evaluation. Because he is a juvenile his identity cannot be released.
An initial investigation determined there appears to be no imminent threat against the school or students, but the incident remains under active investigation by Norfolk Police. Whether criminal charges are warranted remains under investigation as well.
“I am grateful that Norfolk Public Schools staff reacted immediately to this incident, and that they were able to provide us with information that enabled investigators to quickly identify the juvenile involved,” said Chief Stone. “We will continue our investigation and our priority is to ensure the safety of our schools and students.”
Norfolk Public Schools will make school adjustment counselors and mental health staff available on Tuesday to any staff members or students who need support.
Norfolk Police will also maintain a visible presence in and around Norfolk Schools for the remaining week of the school year out of an abundance of caution. A Norfolk Police Department School Resource Officer also splits time between schools in the district.
“We recognize in light of current events that this kind of incident can be frightening for students and their families, so I want to assure the entire Norfolk community that we are working closely with police in regard to this incident and ensuring our schools are both safe, and an environment where students can focus on learning instead of being fearful,” said Superintendent Allardi. “We immediately took appropriate measures to respond when these threats were made today, and I want to commend the staff members who were involved for their efforts.”
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