Augusta County Sheriff: After investigation, no threat to Wilson Memorial High School

UPDATE TUESDAY SEPT. 17 12:03 A.M. FROM THE AUGUSTA COUNTY SHERIFF'S OFFICE:

FISHERSVILLE — The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office received information about a threat targeting Wilson Memorial High School on Monday at approximately 6:05 p.m. The threatening posts alleged gun violence at the school would occur on Tuesday, Sept. 17.

Per a release from the Augusta County Sheriff's Office, the threats mirrored the same messages that targeted Harrisonburg City Schools Monday. The threatening posts appeared to follow the same format, per the Sheriff's Office.

"It was quickly determined that the threats originated from the same SnapChat profile as the threats that targeted Harrisonburg City Schools," said the Sheriff's Office. "The Harrisonburg City Police Department has the juvenile in custody that is responsible for posting these threats."

The Sheriff's Office said that, at this time, there is no threat to any of the schools in the Wilson complex.

"Students, faculty, parents and our community can be assured that the individual responsible for these threatening messages is in custody at this time," the Sheriff's Office said.

Out of an abundance of caution, there will be an increased police presence around the Wilson Complex throughout the day Tuesday.

“I know these types of threats and messages bring great fear, anxiety, and uncertainty to our community," said Sheriff Donald Smith. "Please know that the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office and Central Office works extremely hard to keep our community and schools safe at all times. If the origin was not determined, we would be cancelling school."

ORIGINAL POST MONDAY SEPT. 16:

FISHERSVILLE — A threat posted on social media targeting Wilson Memorial High School is being investigated by the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office.

A press release said the threat was posted Monday evening. The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office said they are in contact with Augusta County Public Schools and administration at Wilson Memorial.

"The Sheriff’s Office is working diligently to investigate the origin of this threat," the release said.

Per the Sheriff's Office, additional information will be released as it becomes available.

“This is an ongoing investigation at this time, we will update our community as soon as possible,” said Sheriff Donald Smith.

This is the third threat to Augusta County Public Schools in less than three weeks.

On Aug. 30, information was received that a student was threatening to shoot up an unnamed Augusta County school. A spokesperson for the sheriff's office said they were not naming the school at the time because it was before school was in session, therefore there was no threat to the school.

That same day, Friday, Aug. 30, school administration at Fort Defiance High School were notified about a student who said that there was a bomb, according to law enforcement.

Just north of Augusta County a threat closed Harrisonburg and Rocktown high schools Monday as law enforcement investigated a threat made against Harrisonburg High School.

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— Patrick Hite is a reporter at The News Leader. Story ideas and tips always welcome. Connect with Patrick (he/him/his) at phite@newsleader.com and on Instagram @hitepatrick. Subscribe to us at newsleader.com.

This article originally appeared on Staunton News Leader: Augusta County Sheriff: Threat to Wilson Memorial High School being investigated