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UPDATE: Threat at Washington Middle School determined to be a Prank

February 25th, 2022 by WCBC Radio

On 2/25/22 at 2:50 pm staff at Washington Middle School in Cumberland received a phone call claiming that there was a bomb at the school.   The school was in the process of dismissal and Officers with the Cumberland Police Department responded to the school to investigate.   While at the school a second call was received stating that an assault on the school was imminent.   Cumberland Police Officers assisted by the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office and the Maryland State Police then provided security while students were safety evacuated and moved to Fort Hill High School where further security was provided while arranging for dismissal. 

Maryland State Police bomb detection canine teams searched the school and found no evidence of any destructive devices.  Officers were able to trace the calls and identified the suspect as a 13-year-old male who lives in Lockport, New York.  The call appeared to be a prank that was intended for Washington Middle School in Allegany County, New York. 

The Cumberland Fire Department was called to Fort Hill High School during this incident to treat a student with a medical problem that was not related to the school threat.   There were no injuries associated with this incident.  

After investigation, the Cumberland Police Department is satisfied that there is no further threat to any schools, or its students associated with this incident.