Putnam County deputies comfort students with high-fives, hugs

PUTNAM COUNTY, WV (WOWK) – Amid dozens of school threats across the Tri-State, law enforcement agencies are increasing their presence around the schools to add an extra sense of security. But one sheriff’s department is doing more than just making their presence known.

After an alleged Snapchat threat against Poca Middle School on Thursday, Putnam County Sheriff Bobby Eggleton said his deputies would be on hand at the county’s schools not only to add extra security but to help comfort and reassure the students with high-fives and hugs.

Poca Middle is just one of several schools that have been put on alert due to threats circulating social media this week.

In some cases, the threats have been a form of swatting originating either locally or out of state. However, there have also been some local students arrested in connection to the incidents.

Law enforcement agencies across the Tri-State are urging children not to share posts they see on their own social media, but to report them to their parents and authorities.

On Wednesday, the FBI – Pittsburgh announced they were investigating a surge of alleged threats against schools in West Virginia and in Western Pennsylvania.

People are asked to report any suspicious activities that could be a threat to 911, or contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or leave an online tip .

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