CUMBERLAND COUNTY, Pa. — Update, 6:40 a.m.: Overnight, officers with the Lower Allen Township Police Department identified a juvenile suspect allegedly responsible for making the threats against West Shore School District middle schools, and the threat has been mitigated, police said.
Law enforcement officials are gathering more evidence before charges will be submitted, police said. Officers did meet with the juvenile and their parents in person.
The LATAPD says there will still be an increased police presence today.
The public is asked to send any information regarding these threats to officers through the Department's online contact form or call 911 for emergencies and (717) 238-9676 for incidents not in progress.
Previously: Three West Shore School District middle schools will remain open today despite threats of violence, the District said in a statement posted to Facebook.
Superintendent Todd B. Stoltz says the District was made aware of posts on Snapchat threatening shootings at Allen and New Cumberland Middle Schools on Sept. 12. Officials say they are also aware of "allegations" at Crossroads Middle School.
West Shore administration reported the threats to the Lower Allen Township, Fairview Township and New Cumberland Police Departments and say they are actively working with authorities to further investigate the situation.
"Thank you to the many students, parents, and community members who have shared that information with us," Stoltz said on Facebook.
School and police officials say they do not believe there is a need at this time to alter the schools' normal schedules on Thursday, but they pledged to let students, staff and families know before the morning bus routes if that changed.
"At this time, we can say this appears to be an ongoing issue with several districts across the Commonwealth, not only the West Shore School District," the post read. "We realize that any threat made against a school is troubling. Our goal is to notify families and avoid unnecessary concern."
Anyone with additional information regarding these threats is asked to contact local law enforcement, submit information using the Safe2Say app or call the tip line at 1-844-723-2729.
"Again, in collaboration with local law enforcement officials, we do not believe there is a need to alter our normal schedule at this time," Stoltz said. "We will provide updates to the West Shore School District community should additional relevant information become available."