THURSDAY UPDATE: The Putnam County Sheriff's Office has confirmed the threat of violence toward Jenkins Middle School as a hoax. Deputies said they have a juvenile in custody.
PCSO is asking parents to speak with their children regarding prank calls.
"Threats of violence, whether written or verbal are felonies," PCSO stated.
.@PutnamCountySO says this was a HOAX. Juvenile person of interest in custody. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/PQmTZCHoVe
— Russell Colburn (@RussellANjax) February 28, 2019
A Putnam County Middle School will have extra security tomorrow after someone called Jenkins Middle School saying there would be violence during school hours on Thursday.
A threat of violence at a local school has prompted an added police presence.
Thursday, the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office said Jenkins Middle School parents, students and staff should expect a heavy police presence.
Deputies said someone called the school Wednesday afternoon, saying there would be violence during school hours Thursday.
They do not know if the threat is credible, but said they’re taking every precaution.
PCSO said all county schools will notice added patrols.
Deputies said often threats occur at schools on known test days, but that was not the case here.
Jenkins Middle went on lockdown last week after a caller threatened nearby James A. Long Elementary. That threat resulted in the arrest of a 13-year-old found on-campus.
The school district said it notified parents Wednesday evening.
Deputies said this hasn’t resulted in any arrests.
NEW: @PutnamCountySO: Threat of violence called into Jenkins Middle School this afternoon. Said to expect violence during school hours tomorrow. Parents and students at all county schools should expect added police presence. @ActionNewsJax pic.twitter.com/emR1zKZFwF
— Russell Colburn (@RussellANjax) February 28, 2019
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