Threats Against Central York High School

On Monday, February 19, 2018, the Springettsbury Township Police Department was made aware of a potential school violence threat at Central York High School. The department, working in conjunction with school officials, began an investigation into the threat, its basis and validity. It was discovered that the threat was based on a student reporting that while walking in the hallway of the school he heard another student say to someone else in the hall “Don’t come to school tomorrow”. The student who overheard this comment took proper action and reported it to School staff who immediately notified our police department. An uninvolved student who heard this information passed it onto several others through social media, which began gaining details not based in fact, as it was passed from person to person. Springettsbury Police and School staff worked together through the day and night monitoring social media and pursuing all information. Springettsbury Township Police brought in additional Officers and Detectives who worked throughout the night following up and speaking with every person who potentially had a part in the incident. At this point in the investigation, no threats have been uncovered.

The Springettsbury Township Police Department takes the safety of our students very seriously. We will relentlessly pursue any and all threats and potential threats to our schools. We would like to thank all school officials, parents, and concerned citizens who contacted both the department and the school with information regarding this potential threat. It is only through this level of cooperation that incidents of this nature can be addressed and our children can be assured the safest school environment possible. Please remain vigilant and follow the mantra “If you see something, say something”.

Sadly, as I am writing this, we are pursuing another threat to our schools and will give it as much attention as the above threat. All substantiated threats against our schools will be legally prosecuted to the greatest extent possible.

Chief Daniel E. Stump