Threats Against Two Bethesda Schools Investigated By Police

BETHESDA, MD — Multiple social media threats made against Westland Middle School and Bethesda Chevy Chase High School prompted extra Montgomery County Police to be sent to both schools Friday morning. Authorities wouldn't specify the nature of the threats, but school officials sent emails to parents to alert them of the investigation.

The Montgomery County Public School System notified the police department about the Facebook postings Thursday. The postings — which were allegedly made by a former Bethesda Chevy Chase High School student — "did not contain a specific immediate threat," said Lucille Baur, a public information officer for Montgomery County police.

Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School Principal Donna Redmond Jones emailed parents and guardians about the threats. Patch obtained a copy of the email from a Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School student. In the letter, Jones said both schools implemented additional security measures in the wake of the threats.

"School staff and security teams at both schools, as well as the School Resource Officer (SRO) will continue to be vigilant about addressing any social media posts that could be disruptive to our learning environment," Jones said in the letter.

Westland Middle School Principal Alison Serino emailed parents and guardians Friday morning about the school threats, WJLA reported.

Because this is an ongoing investigation, police have not released the specifics about the case. Baur, however, did say that additional officers were stationed at both schools Friday.

More updates to come

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