Hays Post
Hays Police Chief Don Scheibler said in an email Monday that the department received a report of a written threat of a bomb inside Hays Middle School.
The threat was texted to Hays resident, who reported it to the Hays Police Department, he said. Other threats were later texted to the Ellis County Communication Center, he said.
"Thank you to the Hays resident for sharing the message and helping us to ensure the safety of the students," Scheibler said.
The Hays Police Department worked with members of the USD 489 staff to fully investigate the reported threat. The school and the grounds were searched by members of the Hays Police Department and the Kansas Highway Patrol Emergency Service Unit (canines), Scheibler said.
The school was determined to be safe.
During the investigation, the Hays Police Department also identified and located the person who made all the threats against Hays Middle School, Scheibler said.
"The Hays Police Department works closely with USD 489 to ensure the safety and well-being of all the students, and we are grateful for this partnership. I am also especially grateful for the quick response of the Kansas Highway Patrol and their assistance with this investigation, Scheibler said.
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The following message was sent to Hays Middle School parents regarding a bomb threat on Sunday at Hays Middle School.
Dear Parents and Guardians,
On Sunday, September 15, Hays city law enforcement received a report regarding a potential explosive device at Hays Middle School (HMS). In response, the Hays Police Department, along with bomb-sniffing dogs from the Kansas Highway Patrol, thoroughly searched the premises. No explosives were found, and the building has been declared safe and secure.
The Hays Police Department has made an arrest in connection with the threat, though the investigation remains ongoing. Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our students and staff are our top priority. We take all threats seriously and conduct thorough investigations to ensure the security of our school community.
We are sharing this information with you to provide clarity and to help you discuss the situation with your child. It is important that they understand the gravity of such threats, as well as the fact that the school has been deemed safe for classes to resume on Tuesday.
Thank you for your attention to this matter and for your continued support of our students' safety and education.
Sincerely,
Tom Albers
HMS Principal