Bethlehem schools to keep increased security after 3 threats

DELMAR, N.Y. ( NEWS10 ) — Police are continuing their investigation Thursday at Bethlehem Central School District after a third threat was made at both Bethlehem Middle School and high school. The district canceled all after school and evening activities Thursday and said they will continue increased security at schools on Friday.

Bethlehem Central School District Superintendent Judy Monroe released a letter to the community on Thursday evening.

“Please know that we are working closely with the Bethlehem Police Department to identify the source of these threats. At this time, the police have not been able to determine who is responsible or where the threats are coming from, but the investigation is ongoing. The increased police presence in and around our school buildings will continue on Friday, Sept. 13,” said Monroe.

Parents like Brian Sinkoff said they never thought something like this would happen to their kids.

“What do u say to your child when there’s a threat of a shooter and there is no, ‘It’ll be okay’ assurance because you don’t know what the reality of the outcome is going to be,” said Sinkoff.

The first threat happened on Tuesday night, when an anonymous person made a phone call to the Bethlehem Police Department. They threatened to, “shoot up the Bethlehem High School,” the district wrote in a letter to the community.

Monroe sent a letter to the community and increased security the next day. However, on Wednesday, officers received two more anonymous threats. The second threat was directed at the high school football team for 5:30 p.m., causing a lockdown at around 4:30 p.m. at Bethlehem High School, Eagle Elementary School, and the school’s Out after-school program.

NEWS10 spoke with Bethlehem Deputy Chief James Rexford, who didn’t want to be on camera. He said this was the only threat made to a specific team. In part of a statement, police addressed their investigation.

“Making threats of this nature is a felony.  We will provide further updates on this investigation when it is possible to do so.”

The third threat happened on Wednesday night. The anonymous caller threatened gun violence at both the middle school and high schools on Thursday.

Some parents decided not to bring their kids to school on Thursday, but Brian said he left the decision up to his son.

“I let him make that decision knowing that we were okay with whatever he decided. And he said to me, “Dad I don’t want to miss school but I don’t want to be in a lockdown,’ And I think that brought a tear to my eye.”

The school said that the phone calls were similar. In part of a statement, Superintendent Monroe explained some resources the school offered on Thursday.

“Counselors will be in every building, with additional counselors deployed to the high school to assist students impacted by the lockdown this afternoon at the school,” said Monroe.

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