Sumter County (WLTX) - Sumter County deputies say they investigated a possible school threat at Hillcrest Middle School in Dalzell, but determined it wasn't credible.
They say a student made a comment to another student Thursday. That student told their parent who then began exchanging emails between other parents. During those exchanges, it was alleged the student made a threat . Investigators say they have deemed the possible threat "not credible."
“Unfortunately, any time there is a report of a threat we must take it seriously,” said Sumter County Sheriff Anthony Dennis in a news release. “This is dangerous because it ties up law enforcement assets that could be used to try to solve and prevent real crimes. Our top priority is the safety of everyone involved and an increased law enforcement presence was at the school out of an abundance of caution. Thankfully, this was not a credible threat and no student, teacher or member of the public was ever in any danger.”
Shelly Galloway, the Executive Director of Communications and Community Engagement for Sumter School District, says law enforcement presence at the school was increased today out of an abundance of caution. She says the student will face disciplinary action for their actions.
Galloway released a statement saying "Our first and most important priority is the safety of our students and staff. We take all potential threats very seriously, and we are thankful to law enforcement for their quick and vigilant response."