GRAFTON — A man incarcerated in Georgia faces charges for threats made Friday against Grafton Bethel Elementary School, the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office announced.
On Friday, May 16, the sheriff’s office responded to a reported phone threat directed at the school. The school was placed in a precautionary modified lockdown while deputies conducted a thorough investigation, and there was a heavy law enforcement presence as deputies and school administrators secured the school and ensured the students and staff were safe.
Investigators, analyzing information collected from school employees, began to identify the person responsible for placing the threatening calls, according to the sheriff’s office, and within a few hours, were able to identify a suspect and trace the origin of the calls to an adult correctional facility in Georgia.
Warrants were obtained Friday afternoon for 22-year-old Damian L. Grover, who is currently incarcerated in Waycross, Georgia. Grover faces three counts of threats to burn or damage, a felony; three counts of bodily harm, also a felony; and three counts of threatening language, a misdemeanor.
“I want to thank the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office for their rapid and thorough response today,” said Victor Shandor, York County School Division superintendent. “We had just concluded one of our quarterly meetings between our agencies when we immediately shifted from prevention and preparation discussions to response actions. The strong relationship and ongoing collaboration between our agencies ensured a secure and effective response.
“The safety and well-being of our students and staff is always our highest priority, and I’m incredibly proud of our Grafton Bethel staff, who remained calm, followed procedures, and kept students safe and supported throughout the day. Today was a clear example of preparedness, partnership, and professionalism in action.”
