NEW PORT RICHEY, Fla. – A massive law enforcement response at River Ridge Middle and High School ended with a sense of relief this afternoon after investigators determined that reports of a weapon on campus were a hoax.
The Pasco Sheriff’s Office conducted an exhaustive search of the New Port Richey campus and confirmed that no weapon was located, and no immediate threat exists to students or faculty.
The incident began around 1:00 p.m. on February 19, when the school triggered its active threat plan in response to the initial report. While the threat was found to be false, deputies are remaining on-site to oversee a controlled dismissal as a precautionary measure. School officials have asked for patience from parents and the community as staff and law enforcement work together to release students safely and orderly.
ORIGINAL REPORT: River Ridge Middle and High School in New Port Richey activated an active threat plan today following reports of a possible weapon on the shared campus. The Pasco Sheriff’s Office immediately deployed a large law enforcement presence to the scene to secure the area and conduct a thorough investigation.
The campus remains under high security as deputies work to determine the validity of the report. At this time, the investigation is ongoing, and authorities have not yet confirmed the discovery of a weapon.
Local officials have stated that updates will be released to the public as more information becomes available.
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