BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — Patton High School in Burke County dismissed all students Monday morning after two suspicious items were found on campus, district officials said.
All students were evacuated from the building and taken to the football field, the district said around 8:30 a.m. By 9:30, the district made the decision to send all students home for the day while police investigated to see if the objects were a threat. Parents were able to pick up their students from the football stadium.
"The safety of our students and staff is our No. 1 priority, and we are taking all precautions necessary and following law enforcement's lead," Burke County Public Schools posted on its Facebook page.
WCNC Charlotte has asked the district for more details about this situation and received a response around 1 p.m.
A joint press release was sent from Burke County Sheriff's Office and Burke County Public Schools saying: "a Patton staff member noticed one item in the front of the school around 7 a.m. and notified the school resource officer. Students arriving at school were assembled at a safe location. The bomb squad accessed and cleared the scene, deeming the items not dangerous. Out of an abundance of caution school was released for the day. A deciding factor involved food preparation and the fact that it was too late in the morning for cafeteria staff to prepare food for lunch. Officers continue to investigate the items and are reviewing video footage. Anybody with information is asked to call the Burke County Sheriff’s Office at 828-438-5500. School is expected to continue as scheduled Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023."
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