Threat At Hammond Middle School Draws Increased Police Presence

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A rumored threat prompted an investigation at Hammond Middle School this week. Police and the school system's security office deemed the threat noncredible, according to a statement from the principal.

"Earlier today, it was brought to our attention that there was a rumor circulating about a student posing a threat to the school during lunch," Principal Aaron Dale, Ph.D., wrote in an email to families on Tuesday, April 2. "Immediately, the HCPD and the Office of Safety and Security were notified. The rumor was thoroughly investigated by the HCPD and was determined not to be credible."

There were increased patrols and police presence on campus at Hammond Middle School in the 8100 block of Aladdin Drive on Tuesday and Wednesday, according to Dale. The measure was taken "as a precaution and to ensure that our children felt safe," he wrote.

"Please know that at no time, either yesterday or today, were students or staff in immediate danger as a result of these threats,"Dale wrote in an email to families on Wednesday, April 3.

A number of parents and community members expressed concern about the incident, he said.

"I understand the desire to seek additional details about the investigation or any students who may have been involved," Dale wrote Wednesday. "However, I sincerely appreciate your understanding that we are not permitted to release such details."

As of Wednesday, he said that the Howard County Police Department and the Office of Safety and Security from the Howard County Public School System were continuing to investigate.