KETTERING — Police have responded to several Kettering elementary schools after bomb threats were reported Friday morning.
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In a statement to News Center 7, Kettering City Schools said they were under a controlled evacuation after four of their elementary schools received bomb threats.
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A spokesperson for Kettering Police said the first threat was reported at 9:08 a.m. at Orchard Park Elementary, followed by a threat reported at Southdale Elementary at 9:15 a.m., Beavertown Elementary at 9:26 a.m., and J.E. Prass Elementary at 9:36 a.m.
“Whoever the caller was said that they planted a few bombs outside the school within the past few days,” Officer Cynthia James, Public Information Officer for the Kettering Police Department, said.
The district added that all students and staff were accounted for and moved to their designated safe locations. Students were then able to be picked up at reunification sites.
As shown on News Center 7 at 5:00, parents spoke about rushing to pick up their students.
“Freaking out,” Kyle Ogle said. “I’m scared, just want to get here quick and in a hurry for both of them.”
Ogle rushed to pick up his son and another student.
“They all walked up the street to make sure everybody was secure and, you know, it worked out great,” he said. “I’m just happy I see them, it’s all that matters.”
Dispatchers called in bomb dogs from across the area to sweep the schools. They did not discover any devices or suspicious items.
“Navigating a situation of this nature requires immense trust and cooperation. Because of the professionalism of our staff, the calm response of our students, and the patience shown by our families, we were able to follow our safety protocols effectively,” the district wrote in a statement.
Police told News Center 7 that they sent officers and dogs to the district’s other schools, even those not receiving threats, just as a precaution on Friday.
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