Violent Threats Under Investigation At Coatesville Area High School

COATESVILLE, PA —Coatesville Area High School students were dismissed early Friday after threats were made on Attorney General Josh Shapiro’s Safe2Say Tip line.

“Any person who makes a credible threat to a school in Chester County is on notice that law enforcement takes these extremely seriously and will investigate each one,” District Attorney Deb Ryan said Friday afternoon.

“The safety of students, teachers, and staff at school is of utmost concern, especially given the school tragedies at Uvalde, Parkland, Sandy Hook, and far too many others. We have no choice but to err on the side of caution to ensure everyone’s safety.

Ryan said that if law enforcement determines a threat was made to disrupt school as a joke, action will also be taken to prosecute those accountable.

“These false reports have caused tremendous hardship and trauma to our students, parents, staff, and law enforcement, and it must stop now,” the district attorney said.

Interim Superintendent Rick Dunlap said it’s important that our students and parents understand that anyone who makes threats on this tip line for the purpose of disrupting school will be disciplined and possibly face criminal charges.

“This simply will not be tolerated,” he said.

Caln Twp Police Chief Joseph Elias said Law enforcement will continue to thoroughly investigate each and every one of these unfortunate acts, and make decisions collectively with school officials that are in the best interest of public safety.”

• Oct 13: Three separate Safe2Say tips were received about a possible weapon that could be used in an act of violence. Law enforcement officers and a canine unit searched the building. No weapons were found.
• Oct. 7: The district was forced to cancel a homecoming football game after online threats of violence were made and deemed credible by law enforcement. The students were dismissed early from school as a result of the threats.

The district urges parents to monitor their child’s social media.
If anyone sees a post that causes concern for school safety, screenshot the post and immediately notify law enforcement, call 911, or make a report to Safe2Say. Do not re-post.