Anonymous bomb threats were made Monday against four Bethesda schools, according to Montgomery County Public Schools officials.
On Monday afternoon, Walt Whitman High School and Bradley Hills, Burning Tree and Wyngate elementary schools received threatening phone calls, but police determined the threats were a “hoax” and “not credible,” according to Derek Turner, spokesperson for MCPS.
There was no increased security or police presence at the schools Tuesday, Turner said, adding that Montgomery County police have identified a suspect. The suspect is not a student at any of the targeted schools, he said.
“We often see as holidays or breaks approach some erratic behavior from the community,” Turner said.
According to an email sent to community members from Bradley Hills Principal Karen Caroscio, an anonymous caller made a threat against the school at approximately 2:18 p.m.
Staff immediately ensured all students were in the building and contacted police and the MCPS Department of School Safety and Security, Caroscio said in the email.
“We will continue to work with MCPD and security staff from MCPS and will provide you with an update should we receive more information,” the message says in closing. “The safety of our school community is of utmost importance. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions.”
A secretary at Walt Whitman confirmed Principal Robby Dodd sent a similar email to parents about a threat made against the school, but would not comment further. Dodd was not available for comment, she said.
