Suffolk County police increasing presence at Smithtown High School West after back-to-back safety incidents this week
"The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and school community remain our highest priority," Smithtown Central Superintendent of Schools Mark Secaur said.
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Suffolk County police will increase their presence at Smithtown High School West this morning following two days of incidents involving a student with weapons and unfounded additional threats.
The response comes two days after a student brought a gun to school and one day after officers found no credible evidence of an additional rumored threat at the school.
Yesterday, Smithtown Central Superintendent of Schools Mark Secaur sent a letter to the community that said the district was aware of "rumors regarding a potential new threat at High School West."
The letter did not specify the threat, but officials said they were working with Suffolk County police to investigate.
Yesterday evening, Suffolk County police said they found no credible evidence of a threat during the investigation.
"The last two days have been very difficult for our entire school community," Secaur wrote. "I can assure you that we share your concern about these events and completely understand the desire for additional information as well as assurances regarding the health and safety of our students and the staff who serve them."
This was the second day in a row that police responded to the school.
On Tuesday, a 16-year-old student at High School West was arrested after an unloaded handgun, bullets and a knife were found in his backpack during a search that was prompted after a student called police to report that another student posted a picture with a gun on social media.
Investigators believe the incident stemmed from a confrontation between two students.
Yesterday, the teen, whom News 12 is not naming because of his age, pleaded not guilty to criminal possession of a weapon, loaded firearm on school grounds, criminal possession of a weapon on school grounds, criminal possession of a firearm and criminal possession of stolen property.
Prosecutors said the gun was reported stolen out of Florida, and the judge set bail at $50,000 cash.
The initial incident prompted parents to speak out at Tuesday's board of education meeting. Many of them called for additional security measures, including metal detectors.
Secaur added in his letter yesterday that the district would provide more information about student safety today.
"The safety and well-being of our students, staff, and school community remain our highest priority. We appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued partnership as we work through this matter," he wrote.
