Police: tracking leads in written threat against schools
By: Melissa Randall
UPDATE: Johnston police say their phones are ringing off the hook with tips from the public. They are working leads ranging from school-aged children and adults. Deputy Chief Daniel Parrillo says some are credible and they are looking into them. The handwritten threat was sent in the mail, it was one page, made out to The Johnston Police Department. Police say the letter was poorly written. It’s now being examined for fingerprints, DNA, and analysis at URI’s Crime Lab.
Parrillo says they are continuing security at all schools in Warwick, Johnston, and Cranston where the threat was targeted. He says it’s costing the departments tens of thousands of dollars.
Even before the bell rings at Winsor Hill Elementary School in Johnston a uniformed police officer will be present. Thursday marks the second day of increased security at schools in 3 local communities following a mailed threat.
On Tuesday, police in Johnston received a letter that threatened to behead elementary students in Johnston, Cranston and Warwick. School officials and police are taking the threat very seriously and have placed at least one officer at every school in those districts- elementary, middle and high. They will be there throughout the school day and will remain for after school activities. The additional officers will be on site for the remainder of the week.
School officials say they’re using skills and plans they’ve acquired since reviewing their best practices following the deadly shootings at Sandy Hook.
Wednesday most parents sent their kids off to school, but many others opted to keep their little ones home. Some of the concerned parents were anticipating more information being released Borden an arrest being made, but that didn’t happen.
Johnston’s absentee rate was at nearly 40% district wide. Cranston had similar number. Warwick also had a large number of students call out.
Local, State and Federal investigators are looking into the letter and its author.
(C) WLNE-TV 2014
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