Bomb Threat Shuts Down Santa Margarita Catholic High School

RANCHO SANTA MARGARITA, CA — A bomb threat conveyed in a letter to Santa Margarita Catholic High School Wednesday forced the closure of the campus and the postponement of a boys' basketball game Wednesday evening, but a search turned up nothing and the school is scheduled to re-open Thursday.

The school closed at 3 p.m. because of the threat, but school officials said there is "no immediate risk to the campus." Officials said they hope to be able to reopen the campus Thursday.

The typed letter arrived in the mail sometime mid-morning at the school at 22062 Antonio Parkway, according to Carrie Braun of the Orange County Sheriff's Department.

School officials called sheriff's deputies after receiving the threat, Braun said.

"The sheriff's department determined no immediate threat to campus or to students so they decided to let school continue," Braun said.

"All faculty, staff and students have been asked by the Orange County Sheriff's Department to leave campus by 3 p.m. so that law enforcement can conduct an investigation on campus," school officials wrote to parents and students. "Deputies have determined there is no immediate risk to campus....The Front Office will remain open for any students that need to wait for a ride."

City News Service contributed to this report.