News Release
Contacts: Andrew Armstrong, Ph.D., Interim Superintendent, aarmstrong@glnd.k12.va.us,
Steven Creasey, Sheriff, screasey@goochlandva.us
Community Update on May 11 Goochland Middle and High Schools Lockdown
May 12, 2023 – On Thursday, May 11, at approximately 10:30 a.m., a Goochland High School staff member received two text messages from an unknown number. The text messages included specific, threatening language directed at Goochland High School, referencing weapons and intent to harm and additionally referencing that the individual was on school grounds. At no time were there any reports or first-hand information from school staff or students that there were weapons or individuals making threats in the school building.
Upon receiving the text messages, Goochland High School leaders immediately informed their assigned Goochland County Sheriff’s Office (GCSO) School Resource Officer. In consideration of the specific language and the uncertainty related to the source of the text messages, the middle and high schools were placed in “lockdown.” Lockdown requires students to move to a low-visibility area and maintain silence with lights out and doors locked. No movement was permitted inside rooms or outside of rooms. Nearby Goochland Elementary School was placed in a “hold,” restricting movement in and out of the building while teaching and learning continued.
The GCSO then assumed tactical control of the facility, assigning deputies to locations on the campus and inside the building while investigators worked with school staff to determine the source of the text message. Students and staff remained in lockdown, and access to the campus and facility was controlled while several searches of the building, including all classrooms, students, and student belongings, took place to ensure the facility was secure before releasing the lockdown. Searches were conducted by school division and Sheriff’s Office deputies with the assistance of trained K9 detection units from nearby jurisdictions. No weapons or contraband were discovered during the searches, and by approximately 1 p.m., deputies and school staff began to escort students to restrooms. Lunches were distributed beginning at 1:30 p.m. and dismissal took place at 3:30 p.m.
GCSO continued their investigation into the evening, resulting in the arrest of a juvenile at approximately 11 p.m. Thursday. The juvenile is not a current student at Goochland County Public Schools. “The tireless efforts of our team resulted in the prompt arrest of a suspect, but more importantly, the safety of the students and staff of our schools,” said Goochland County Sheriff Steven Creasey. “We hope this sends a clear message that our county will not tolerate threats or disruptions to anyone, especially the children of Goochland.” Goochland Middle and High Schools remain closed on Friday, May 12, to provide a day for staff and students to regroup and for the facility to be reset to continue operations as usual on Monday, May 15.
GCPS and GCSO partner throughout the year to conduct table-top exercises and training for all staff and substitutes in crisis response, threat assessment, and situational awareness. GCPS and GCSO have also worked to establish full-time school resource officers in every GCPS school. “The strong relationship between our schools and our Sheriff’s Office and our shared commitment to the safety of our students distinguish our work,” said Andy Armstrong, Ph.D., Interim Superintendent of Schools. “While I am disturbed and frustrated at the acts of this individual that caused this disruption to our operations, I am proud of our response and appreciate the understanding of our families.”
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