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Bellbrook High threat prompts police to increase security

Message says the  threat will be carried out at 1 p.m. Monday.

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By Andy Sedlak, Staff Writer 12:44 AM Sunday, February 12, 2012

BELLBROOK — Police will increase their presence at Bellbrook High School after a threatening message was discovered in a boys bathroom Friday.

School administrators were notified a “violent threat” was written on a bathroom wall near the end of the school day, according to Sgt. Mark White of the Sugarcreek Twp. Police Department. The message, written in pencil, gave a time of 1 p.m. Monday for the threat to be carried out.

Administrators promptly notified the police department. The investigation is ongoing.

The Dayton Daily News spoke to parents Saturday. Although multiple parents didn’t want to talk publicly, some said they understood the threat concerned a shooting.

An email from district officials was sent to students, staff and parents to notify everyone police would be increasing patrols.

The message reportedly did not single out any student, but was directed to the student body.

White said authorities have “no idea” who might have authored the threat. Police plan to review surveillance footage and talk to students.

“I can tell you this police department is going to do anything within its power to find this person responsible and prosecute these people or person to the fullest extent of the law,” White said.

Inducing panic could be one of the charges facing those responsible, White said.

Since the incident took place on school grounds, he said that may escalate the offense’s severity.

He also said other charges are possible, depending on the results of the investigation.

Principal Chris Baker on Saturday said Superintendent Keith St. Pierre will talk publicly about the issue. St. Pierre did not immediately respond to interview requests.

Should parents keep their children home Monday? White said that’s a private matter.

“I would let that rest with the parents themselves,” he said.

“I think that’s a decision that has to be made within the family.”

White, however, has a child who attends Bellbrook High School. His student is planning to attend class on Monday.

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