Two bomb threats called in to Newport Public Schools

February 2, 2016 5:36 pm

By Ana Bottary

abottary@abc6.com

@anabottary

The Newport public school system on edge, after two bomb threats have been called in over the past two days.

"They are both believed to be computer generated automated calls. Not a human voice on the other line that we could question and speak with,"says Sergeant Corey Huck of Newport Police.

Police say the threat they received Sunday night was geared toward Rogers high school. Now, the threat they received Tuesday morning, was threatening the entire Newport public school system. Sgt. Huck of the Newport police, says while the threats did not pose any immediate danger, it is something they are taking seriously. Their number one priority is keeping the schools safe.

"There has been an increased presence at all of the schools obviously. We do have four officers assigned through the community policing division that spend a lot of time in the schools on a regular basis,"Sgt. Huck adds.

He says with the threats called in so close together, it creates a strain on officers.

"As time progresses there is obviously man power and resources that are expanded and a lot goes in to making contacts to the school department, them in turn making contact with parents. So, there is a definite strain on the infrastructure."

Newport is just the latest school district, among dozens across the country that have received similar bomb threats over the past month. Sgt. Huck says calling in a threat is a felony, and could carry up to 10 years in jail.