Student threat taken seriously at South Bend High School

Student threat reported at South Bend High School

This afternoon a student reported to one of our counselors a threat she heard from a fellow South Bend High School student during lunch.  The alleged threat, heard by several other high school students, consisted of harming the school and himself.  The alleged threat was made Wednesday afternoon, March 14, 2018.

School administrators took immediate action by notifying the South Bend Police Department and then bringing the student in for questioning.  At no time were any weapons found on campus, and at no time were any students or staff in immediate danger.  South Bend Police Chief Dave Eastham, after questioning the student, placed the student in protective custody and transported the student for a professional mental health evaluation.  School staff were subsequently notified.

South Bend High School cooperated fully with the South Bend Police Department and took all precautions in treating the alleged threat seriously.  The student will be emergency expelled from school until the mental health evaluation is completed and recommendations are followed.  Further school discipline will be considered pending the results of an ongoing investigation.

Student and staff safety is our primary concern at South Bend School District.  All threats are treated seriously and proper precautions are taken when needed.  Parents, students, and staff can be assured that, in this instance, there is no continuing threat.  The campus is safe and we will make further announcements if/when necessary.

The student who came forward to report this threat did the right thing and should be commended.  South Bend School District encourages all students, parents, staff, and community members to immediately report anything threat related to school officials and police when heard.