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Deputies Investigate Potential Threats at Lexington-Richland 5 Schools

Lexington County deputies say they'll step up patrols and add extra officers as a precaution.

Deputies are investigating potential threats made against two schools in Lexington-Richland School District Five.

Lexington County deputies are looking into one made against Chapin, which Richland County deputies are probing one made at Dutch Fork High.

Lexington County deputies said they will have extra officers at Chapin High School Tuesday after they say there was a potential threat made against the campus.

Deputies did not confirm the exact nature of the threat, but say they've been in constant communication with officials from Lexington-Richland School District Five.

"As part of our work to ensure a safe environment for students and faculty, we plan to place extra deputies on campus and increase patrols in the area tomorrow," the department said on Twitter Monday night.

Richland County deputies said they are aware of a threat against Dutch Fork, and are investigating. Lexington-Richland School District Five spokesperson Katrina Goggins said they're taking the threats seriously.

"We are limited in terms of details we can provide as both are separate, ongoing investigations," Goggins said. "All threats are taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. Safety is a top priority for our school district, and we will continue to work with law enforcement to ensure our schools remain safe places to learn."

These are the latest in a series of threats made at Midlands schools since last week's mass shooting at a Florida high school. On Monday alone, also threats were made against Chestnut Oaks Middle School in Sumter County and at Camden High School in Kershaw County. In both cases, the student who made those threats was found, and officers determined the student wasn't going to carry out the threat.

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