Two more students charged with making bomb threats in Columbus County

October 6, 2023

WWAY News,

Mgn 1280x720 20523c00 Xldwa — A bomb threat was made at a Columbus County school earlier this week (Photo: Phil Roeder / MGN)

COLUMBUS COUNTY, NC (WWAY) — Two days after a juvenile was taken into custody for allegedly making a bomb threat at Central Middle School, two more juveniles have been charged with threats.

On Wednesday, October 4, at approximately 12:30 pm, the school resource officer of Whiteville High School was notified of a threat against the school. A student reportedly interrupted class by yelling that he was the bomber and that he was going to detonate a bomb at a specific time. The school evacuated students and staff while the buildings were searched. Whiteville Police Department assisted with traffic control during the evacuation. When it was determined that no threat existed, the students returned to class.

At approximately 12:50 pm, the school resource officer at West Columbus School was notified of a bomb threat against the school. School administration acted promptly and evacuated the school buildings. Columbus County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Investigators searched the school and did not locate any suspicious items or packages.

The State Bureau of Investigation and the Columbus County Sheriff’s Office worked together to identify the student responsible for the West Columbus threat that was received digitally.

Charges were obtained for two juveniles, one from each of the above schools. On Friday, October 6, the juvenile petitions were completed.

These bomb threats follow a bomb threat that occurred earlier the same day at Central Middle School, and a bomb threat that was made on Monday, October 2, towards Whiteville City Schools.

“False bomb threats are not a prank, they are a crime,” said Sheriff Bill Rogers. “Don’t let a moment of poor judgement ruin your future. Think about the impact your actions can have on your school, your parents, your friends, and your community.”

Sheriff Rogers encourages parents to actively engage with their children, using these threats as an opportunity to learn from others’ actions and deter future similar threats.