Lockhart K-8 School. Photo Credit: WTJX.
ST. THOMAS —Two additional bomb threats at Lockhart K-8 School on Wednesday triggered a rapid law-enforcement response on St. Thomas, where V.I. Police Department units quickly secured the campus and apprehended two minors accused of making the calls.
The incidents reopened tensions over a recent pattern of school-related threats while underscoring police warnings that such acts are serious crimes, not pranks.
According to the VIPD, the Juvenile Bureau, School Security, and K-9 officers responded to both threats on November 19 and swept the school grounds before issuing an “all clear.” The first report reached the 911 Emergency Call Center at 8:55 a.m. Officers traced the call and located the minor suspect at the Oswald Harris Court housing community. Police said he was immediately apprehended, taken to the Juvenile Bureau for booking and processing, and found to be in violation of a previous court order. He was subsequently remanded to the Youth Rehabilitation Center.
A second threat was phoned in at 1:17 p.m. Officers, acting on information provided during the call, located the second minor on the Lockhart K-8 School campus. He was also taken into custody, processed, and placed in protective custody pending remand.
Both minors arrested on Wednesday are facing a slate of charges: false reporting in the first, second, and third degrees; bomb hoax; disturbance of the peace – threats; and cyber harassment.
Debra Hodge, Chief of Police for the St. Thomas, St. John, and Water Island District, emphasized the gravity of the offenses. “These bomb threats are not a prank, they are not funny, they are criminal acts,” she stated. “We’ve already arrested several minors to include both that made the calls today, and along with our federal partners we will continue to follow every lead. I am urging our young people to think about the consequences before they act and I’m asking parents to speak to their children sternly. Parents note that you can be held accountable for your minors’ actions. Our priority is to keep our children and community safe, and we will pursue every measure to ensure their safety.”
The investigation into the latest threats remains ongoing. The VIPD urges anyone with information to contact 911, the department at 340-774-2211, or Crime Stoppers USVI at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).
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