YORK COUNTY — The York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office (YPSO) took three Grafton High School, 403 Grafton Drive, students into custody Wednesday morning, Dec. 8, after a parent reported threatening comments within a text message chain between the three students.
The students were taken into custody before the school day began after an overnight investigation into potential threats to the Grafton School Complex, according to a division wide email from the York County School Division (YCSD).
According to a post on the YPSO Facebook page, the investigation started at 10 p.m. on Dec. 7 after deputies received information that Grafton High School students were sending messages to each other about shooting, bombing and burning the school on Dec. 8.
All three are being held at the Merrimac Juvenile Detention Center, charged with conspiracy, threats to bomb and burn, and threats of death on school property.
The email from the school division also said that in addition to criminal charges, the students will face disciplinary action in accordance with the YCSD Student Handbook and Code of Conduct.
When reached for comment, YPSO Public Information Officer Shelly Ward said that all involved in the threatening text messages have been arrested and at this time there is no additional causes for concern on this matter.
Anyone with concerns is encouraged to contact the YCSD Report It hotline, (757) 890-5000.
York-Poquoson Sherriff J.D. “Danny” Diggs said of the arrests, “I am extremely pleased with the outstanding efforts of our Deputies, School Resource Officers, Investigators, and the collaborative effort between the York County School Division. I am thankful for the quick manner in which the case was handled and the swift conclusion of this case to help to put people’s minds at ease.”
This is a developing story. More details will be put out as they become available.
