No bomb found after Watertown High School evacuation

Police and school officials searched Watertown High School for a bomb after a threat this morning forced evacuation. They were assisted by C.J., the explosive detection dog. Photo: NYS Police

After a bomb threat this morning, Watertown High School was evacuated, according to a press release from the Watertown City School District. Police, school officials and a bomb-sniffing dog found no evidence of a bomb. They’re currently investigating the bomb threat. Here’s the complete text of the press release from the school district:

The Watertown High School was evacuated today in response to a bomb threat that was discovered at approximately 11:45 a.m.  Upon a thorough sweep by our school district’s School Resource Officer, New York State Police with “CJ” a trained bomb threat dog, as well as specially assigned WHS staff members, no evidence was found that a bomb was in the building.

Our deep appreciation goes out to the Watertown City Police Department, New York State Police, and Watertown City Fire Department for their quick response to our call for assistance.  I also would like to commend all the Watertown High School staff and all of our 9-12 students who cooperated and truly worked together to maintain a safe environment throughout the evacuation process.

Our first priority in these circumstances is to assure the safety and welfare of students and staff.  Our second priority is now to conduct an investigation using both anecdotal evidence and camera data to identify the person(s) who may be responsible for this criminal act.

Tags: bomb, bomb scare, crime, education, Jefferson county, school, Watertown