ECSO: No Credible Threat Against Ernest Ward Middle, Student That Found Note Likely Created It

February 21, 2020

The Escambia County Sheriff’s Office says the student that claimed to find an alleged threat involving students at Ernest Ward Middle School was actually the person that wrote it.

The student reported finding a note and turned it into school officials, leading to an investigation that delayed the departure of buses from the school Thursday afternoon.

“The evidence shows that the student that brought the note to the attention of the school was the person that created it,” Maj. Andrew Hobbs said. “They can face criminal charges for this note that was no credible threat to the school or anyone at the school.”

The contents of the note have not been released due to ongoing investigation.

Escambia County School District Deputy Superintendent Norm Ross termed it simply as a “situation”. He said Thursday night that no weapon was involved, and that he was unable to elaborate due to the ongoing investigation.

NorthEscambia.com file photo.

Comments

19 Responses to “ECSO: No Credible Threat Against Ernest Ward Middle, Student That Found Note Likely Created It”

  1. pam on February 26th, 2020 10:34 am

    I have a nephew who has been bulled at this school I think its time that this school addresses the problem and takes control of the school back from the kids. That’s what is wrong the kids run the schools.

  2. Lee on February 25th, 2020 3:23 pm

    In all fairness, the district would not have allowed the school to be open on Friday if there was any reason to believe anyone was in danger. If anything, they would err on the side of caution. As far as parents not being given more information, until an investigation is complete, there isn’t much that can be released, even if the incident was a “prank.” Finally, much of the confusion was likely the result of kids (and some parents) on social media, spreading rumors, making allegations, etc. All of that just complicates an investigation.

  3. Seflfeelings on February 24th, 2020 9:56 am

    I understand the concerns and so feel there should have been more info distributed to each parent. But some of the parents didn’t even know about the threat. So their children went on to school as usual. So these parents that want an excused absent for their kids is hilarious my grandchild wasn’t informed of the situation so her parents sent her to school unaware and your kids aren’t any more important to you as mine are to me. Funny how bullying isn’t tolerated when it comes to others kids but mine aren’t good enough for ppl to stand up to these bullies. Red flags should be monitored better. (Is this me ha kid being bullied?) parents need to get their heads out of the sand and realize maybe your kid Is the bully!!!!
    I do feel as if this wasn’t just a situation as they stated it’s a threat and should be taken as one.

  4. Johnny on February 22nd, 2020 7:40 pm

    I agree with Kathy Phillips they should have told us more and I have two at that school one in 8 and 7 grade I’m in if all the moms and dad and grandparents want to go to the school tell them how we all feel about this problem and the way it was handled was bull and for what ever kids name was on that list the mom and dad or grandparents has the right to know if there kids was on that list and it was not handled like it should been there was no reason for us to get a call at 630 soon as it happened they should have call us told us what going on

  5. TAllen on February 22nd, 2020 10:31 am

    I agree with most every one else in this situation. I was uncertain and uneasy about the whole thing.I was hoping to know more by morning to be able to feel confident enough as to the safety of my grandchild sending her to school. Friday morning nothing more about this to help me feel at ease enough to send my child.As there is nothing more valuable or important to me in this entire universe than my children.I decided against sending her. Maybe it was just empty threats. I take no chance like that with my baby.As I know if I would have sent her and say something did become of this ..I would never breathe again, if my baby got caught up in this so called situation. My life would cease.So I didnt send her. My mind was never put at ease as to why it was safe to send her..We deserved more than what was told.

  6. Kathy Phillips on February 21st, 2020 9:30 pm

    I feel this situation was not handled properly! Parents of the children who attend Ernest Ward Middle school were not notified properly so the parents could make an educated decision on the matter. While most of the parents waited and wondered at the bus stop, why the bus was late, where is my child? Finally some parents received a call approximately 6:30 p.m. recorded ” that the buses returned to school due to a situation!” Still to this moment, parents have never been properly notified and able to express their decision on this situation as it affects their child!
    Ernest Ward Middle school owes all parents of children who attends, a meeting immediately, to express their, concerns, out rage and get answers. No response to parents immediately, is not acceptable. Parents need answers now,
    not later or tomorrow. NOW!! A thank you to kids who attended school on friday and a last period fun hour was not a solution.
    What time is the meeting and where???

  7. Tonya on February 21st, 2020 6:57 pm

    I believe these actions should be taken seriously. Set an example for others who think of doing this. It is a criminal action should be treated as such.

  8. grand prant on February 21st, 2020 11:29 am

    I have two grandkids go there mom is keeping out today. better safe than sorry.

  9. TAmmy simmons on February 21st, 2020 11:21 am

    Mine will not be back until an arrest is made!!!! JOKE OR NO JOKE!!! There is supposed to be A ZERO TOLERANCE!!!! And this child made a THREAT!!!!! If I cannot send my child to school and feel that she is safe, SHE WILL STAY HOME!!!!!!!!!! I WASNT EVEN NOTIFIED!!!! I HAD TO FIND OUT ON SOCIAL MEDIA!!!! GREAT JOB!!! If that is how they are handling things. I’m not to sure I feel that my child is safe in THEIR CARE!!!!!!!

  10. Sam on February 21st, 2020 11:05 am

    All students who are absent until this is fully resolved and investigation completed should be excused. No questions asked. Sufficient statement and solid case to determine the safety of our students should be made public.

  11. Rob on February 21st, 2020 10:25 am

    Not making light of the situation or anything, but some of you may benefit from going down there and sitting w them for a few classes.

  12. Mq on February 21st, 2020 9:55 am

    Agree with any parent keeping their child/ren at home.
    This is a VERY serious matter. Next time, if this incident an incident like this may be real.

  13. Pay Attention on February 21st, 2020 9:46 am

    @concerned…..I agree that some may do things for attention or a joke but something like this should not be taken lightly. Some of the children are aware of what the note said and it is hearsay but they told some of us what it said. Keeping your children at home until the child responsible for the threat is handled is not overreacting it’s being cautious and protective. I’d rather them miss a day then take a chance and regret that I sent them. We all have our on opinions and I respect yours if you want to send your child to school.

  14. concerned on February 21st, 2020 9:13 am

    This is something that concerns all of us. But before we get crazy, lets stop and take a deep breath. Couldn’t it be possible that the person who did this did it just to get attention? Or as a “joke”. I know of situations similar to this over the years where this was the case. Some kids just do/say things without stopping to think about what the consequences could/would be. My head is not buried in the sand. And I do have both feet on the ground. I try to see the whole possible picture, not just the worse case scenario. Before you jump all over me, I have a child at this school, so yes I am concerned, just not over reacting.

  15. Hmmmm on February 21st, 2020 8:55 am

    No creditible threat? They ARE the threat. I hope this school is crawling will law enforcement officers today

  16. Century Mom on February 21st, 2020 8:52 am

    I’ve already lost two children .. I don’t take stuff like this lightly .. No school for mines until this situation is cleared up.. All my children safety is all very important to me..

  17. Tabbie on February 21st, 2020 7:33 am

    My granddaughter will not return until someone is arrested and I know for an fact my kid is safe.If the school wants to give her fs for that ,than Al well.i r rather be safe than sorry

  18. Century dad on February 21st, 2020 1:14 am

    Me and my wife is not taking any chances with our kids they need to fine out who did this because ours will not be back at school until a person has been arrested. The school can’t not except it then oh well because I love my kids more then anything in this world so I hope they get who ever behind it rather it’s a joke or truth behind u don’t play like this

  19. Molino Mom on February 20th, 2020 9:55 pm

    I’m not taking any chances with my kids. Nope, not happening. Until someone has be arrested. I believe all students that miss school should be excused.