Norfolk Police Investigating After Boy Makes Threats to School

NORFOLK — Norfolk police are investigating alleged threats made by a minor outside one of the town's two elementary schools on Monday, according to a joint release from the department and the district.

Although officials said there appears to be no imminent threat, police will be present at all Norfolk schools for the last week of the school year out of an abundance of caution.

At around 4 p.m. Monday, a staff member at the Freeman-Kennedy School allegedly witnessed and heard a boy approaching students outside the school and making threats of violence.

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Staff members immediately led all students inside and contacted Norfolk police, according to the release.

Police have contacted the person who made the threats as well as his parents, although as he is a juvenile his identity will not be released.

He is undergoing a medical evaluation.

Police Chief Charles Stone and Superintendent Ingrid Allardi noted in the statement that there appears to be no imminent threat against the school or students, but police continue to investigate.

The investigation will also determine whether criminal charges are warranted, according to the release.

"I am grateful that Norfolk Public Schools staff reacted immediately to this incident, and that they were able to provide us with information that enabled investigators to quickly identify the juvenile involved," said Stone.

"We will continue our investigation and our priority is to ensure the safety of our schools and students," he added.

Norfolk schools will make adjustment counselors and other mental health staff available on Tuesday to any students or staff who need support.

Police will also be visibly present at Norfolk schools for the one remaining week of the school year, and the School Resource Officer will split their time between schools in the district.

"We recognize in light of current events that this kind of incident can be frightening for students and their families, so I want to assure the entire Norfolk community that we are working closely with police in regard to this incident and ensuring our schools are both safe, and an environment where students can focus on learning instead of being fearful," said Allardi.

"We immediately took appropriate measures to respond when these threats were made today, and I want to commend the staff members who were involved for their efforts."