ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A false bomb threat prompted a 90-minute evacuation at Allen High School on Thursday, and police charged two teens.
Thursday’s bomb threat was the fifth hoax report levied against ASD schools since the start of the school year — three at Allen and two at Trexler Middle School.
Two 14-year-old boys face felony charges of making terroristic threats, according to the Allentown Police Department.
On Tuesday, authorities announced similar charges against two other teenagers. The boys, ages 14 and 15, face charges of terroristic threats and assault by physical menace after reports of an armed person forced police to lock down Allen High School and Trexler Middle School.
“We ask families to recognize the magnitude of these actions and to remind their children that any threat of violence is taken seriously."Allentown School District Chief Operations Officer Robert Whartenby
In a news release, Allentown School District warned those who would consider making similar false reports, saying they will be met with “severe disciplinary and legal consequences."
At the school level, discipline may include long-term out-of-school suspension, an alternative education placement or expulsion.
In Pennsylvania, it is a felony to report a false bomb threat.
“We ask families to recognize the magnitude of these actions and to remind their children that any threat of violence is taken seriously,” ASD Chief Operations Officer Robert Whartenby said in a statement.
“Every false report diverts critical public safety resources and disrupts learning for thousands of students.”
Students, staff and community members can report safety concerns through the Safe2Say Something tip line by calling 1-844-SAF2SAY or visiting www.safe2saypa.org.
