Bomb threats closed Fayette schools

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WASHINGTON C.H. — Fayette County and WCH schools were under heightened supervision this past weekend after a double threat of pipe bombs closed schools and cancelled athletic events Friday. After a lengthy search, no pipe bombs were found at any of the schools.

The bomb threats came during the wee morning hours Friday and were called into the Washington C.H. Police Department dispatch.

A two-hour school delay was initially issued but David Lewis, Miami Trace Local Schools Superintendent, said it was necessary to close schools for the entire day in order to complete a thorough investigation.

Washington C.H. City Schools, Miami Trace Local Schools and Fayette Christian School were all closed.

The Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Washington C.H. Police Department, ATF, Ohio State Highway Patrol, Columbus Fire Department, Franklin County Sheriff’s Department, and the Franklin County Bomb Squad and Canine Units responded to the threats and searched the schools.

Two bomb threats were called into the Washington C.H. Police Department dispatch and answered by police dispatcher Erin Sanderson. The voice is the same in both calls but sounds like a male voice artificially generated using technology or filtered through voice modification technology.

A sweep with K-9s through all elementary, middle and high schools in the districts took more than three hours Friday morning. Buses and bus garages were cleared as well.

The WPD said the investigation into who made the threats is ongoing. “We’re in contact with our telephone contract provider to try to find the source of the calls,” said WPD Lt. Jon Long.

Editor Ryan Carter contributed to this article.

Fayette County Sheriff Vernon Stanforth and one of his deputies visit with Franklin County Sheriff K9 Units as they sweep Miami Trace Middle School Friday.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/01/web1_IMG_1797.jpgFayette County Sheriff Vernon Stanforth and one of his deputies visit with Franklin County Sheriff K9 Units as they sweep Miami Trace Middle School Friday. Ashley Bunton | Record-Herald photos

The Miami Trace Elementary, Middle and High Schools were all checked and were cleared Friday.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/22/2017/01/web1_IMG_1841.jpgThe Miami Trace Elementary, Middle and High Schools were all checked and were cleared Friday. Ashley Bunton | Record-Herald photos

By Ashley Bunton

[email protected]

Reach the Record-Herald staff at (740) 335-3611

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