Bomb Threat Martinsburg High School

On Wednesday, April 9, 2008 at 12:50am, the West Virginia Safe School Hotline contacted local law enforcement in reference to a possible threat of an explosive device being placed in the Martinsburg High School. It was advised from an undisclosed source that several students were heard on the previous day, commenting on placing an explosive device in the Martinsburg High School.

The Martinsburg Police Department responded to the high school, found an unsecured door and then secured the perimeter of the building. School officials at the Martinsburg High School were also contacted and quickly responded to the scene. Contact was also made with the Loudon County Sheriff’s Department and arrangements were made to have trained K-9 bomb sniffing dogs brought to Martinsburg for a search of the high school.

Upon arrival at the Martinsburg High School, a search was conducted by the officers throughout the entire building. At the conclusion of the search at 4:16am, no explosive or suspicious devices were located. It was also determined at that time that no risks or hazards were posed which would require the closing of the Martinsburg High School for this date.

The Martinsburg High School administration provided students with a letter addressing the threat as well as information pertaining to the Safe School Hotline (800-SAFE-WVA) and to contact the Martinsburg Police Department if a student has information concerning this incident. The Martinsburg High School and the Martinsburg Police Department would also like to thank the student who reported the possible threat.
The Martinsburg Police Department is currently investigating the matter. If you or anyone has information regarding the calling in of the bomb threat at the Martinsburg High School, please contact the Martinsburg Police Department at 304-264-2100 or Crime Solvers at 304-267-4999.