Suspected Hoax Investigated At Healdsburg Afterschool Program

HEALDSBURG, CA — Students at an afterschool program at Fitch Mountain Elementary School were placed on lockdown Wednesday afternoon as a threat of violence toward the program was investigated, officials with the City of Healdsburg and the Healdsburg Unified School District said.

A staff member with the City Of Healdsburg afterschool program at the campus received a text message at 4:15 Wednesday indicating the threat of violence toward participants in the afterschool program, officials said.

The staff member immediately contacted the Healdsburg Police Department and participants of the program were placed on lockdown.

Within minutes of the staff member receiving the text, the Healdsburg Police Department arrived at the school. Additional staff from the city and the school district also responded.

"At this time, the Healdsburg Police Department does not believe this to be a credible threat," city and school district officials said.

Police remained at the campus and patrolled the area until all members of the afterschool program were released to their parents.

"The safety of our program participants and our community is always our primary concern, and we want to assure you that the campus and students are safe," officials said. "Out of an abundance of caution, the Police Department is providing additional patrols throughout the area."

Officials asked anyone with information about the incident to contact the Healdsburg Police Department at 707-431-3377 or crimetips@healdsburg.gov.

Parents with questions or concerns regarding the afterschool program can contact Healdsburg Community Services at 707-431-3301 or communityservices@healdsburg.gov.