The Shadow
LOW MOOR — Clifton Middle School is closed Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, out of an abundance of caution for the safety of staff and students,
Alleghany Highlands Public Schools investigated a purported threat against Clifton Middle School students on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023.
The CMS staff, along with the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office immediately launched the investigation after the CMS staff received a tip at approximately 2 p.m. The tip indicated that a CMS student had compiled a list of students that the student intended to harm.
As a result of the prompt investigation, a juvenile suspect was taken into custody and placed under appropriate supervision. Criminal charges are pending.
“At no time were any acts of actual harm carried out by the student,” said Col. Matt Bowser of the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office.
A list containing names of CMS students was uncovered during the investigation. The parents/guardians of those students have been personally contacted and apprised of the situation.
“The sheriff’s office is confident that this is an isolated situation involving only the one juvenile suspect, and that any potential threat has been addressed,” Bowser said.
The decision to close the school on Friday is a result of an ongoing discussion between the school division and the sheriff’s office.
“We have to take any threat seriously with the enhanced violence occurring across our country. We thank our parents and students for cooperating with us, and we urge them to report any information about threats or suspicious activity to us promptly,” Bowser said.
Questions or concerns should be directed to the Alleghany County Sheriff’s Office at (540) 965-1770.
