Pennsbury Copes With School Threats

FAIRLESS HILLS, PA — The Pennsbury School District has seen its share this past week of alarms and alerts.

Last week, several schools received repeated threats about someone “with plans to shoot up the school” at three buildings.

This week, the school district has dealt with someone trespassing on high school grounds asking about security systems at Pennsbury High East, and a fire alarm pulled at Pennsbury High West.

School officials commented on the arrest by Falls Township Police about the Levittown man appearing on school grounds.

"Although this incident is very concerning, our safety protocols worked as planned," Schools Superintendent Thomas A. Smith and Pennsbury High East Campus Principal Reggie Meadows said. " We would like to acknowledge the staff member and students who observed the individual, assessed the situation, and responded appropriately by notifying staff."

School officials said the man also placed a Pennsylvania flag on the flagpole, pulled on a locked door, and then asked to be let into the building. He stated that he was on campus to “ensure the safety of the students.” According to the police, the individual appeared to be under the influence of narcotics or experiencing a mental health episode.

Officials reminded residents that trespassing on school property is strictly prohibited.

"Individuals identified on District property during the school day, without permission, will be charged to the fullest extent of the law," school officials said..

Meanwhile, school officials reported that a fire alarm was activated at PHS West on Tuesday morning.

Following safety procedures, students and staff immediately exited the building and promptly returned to class once the all clear directive was given.

"We have confirmed there was no fire, and the alarm was due to an equipment malfunction," officials said. "At this time, there is no indication that this arrest is connected to the separate, unrelated fire alarm malfunction."

Additionally, school officials said they recognize that this week's incidents come on the heels of the threats made against the high school and other schools last week.

After a full investigation by law enforcement in conjunction with PHS administration, the threat was determined to be non-credible, school officials said.