News : Vinton Police respond to public concerns surrounding rumors of a school threat

The Vinton Police Department and the Vinton-Shellsburg High School have received several calls today from concerned parents regarding a rumor circulating within the High School about a possible school threat.

Vinton Police were contacted by Vinton-Shellsburg High School officials at 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 17, 2012, regarding information circulating among students about a possible threat to school safety, rumored to take place on Friday, December 21st.

VSHS officials reported receiving information from students earlier in the day on Monday about an possible threat to student safety. School officials promptly investigated these rumors, spoke directly with those reporting the matter, those allegedly involved, and others with pertinent information, as well as many parents close to the situation, and were able to determine that the information being reported to them Monday was actually a reincarnation of old information which had first come to light the prior school year, was being discussed openly as if it had just occurred, and ultimately taken out of context by others in light of the recent tragedy in Connecticuit.

Neither the Vinton-Shellsburg School District nor the Vinton Police Department have any credible, reliable or timely information to indicate or believe that any such risk or threat exists within the Vinton-Shellsburg School District, based on this investigation and the information learned from it. Additionally, those who the initial information was initially attributed will not be attending classes at the VSHS for the remainder of this week before Christmas break begins.

Vinton Police Officers will be on-hand at the Vinton-Shellsburg High School Friday morning to greet students and answer any questions parents may have.