After a “potential threating situation” at Purvis High School was investigated by several law enforcement agencies in Lamar County, officials have determined there was no danger to students, teachers or staff on campus at that school.
According to a September 6 message sent to parents and families by high school principal Julie Clinton, an unspecified incident occurred on the campus the previous day, when school officials were made aware of a possible threat from a community member.
“With the help of (the) Lamar County Sheriff’s Department, Purvis police and the (school) district office, an investigation was conducted, and we have confirmed that there was no danger or threat to anyone on campus at the time,” the message reads. “Our staff acted swiftly and appropriately.
“The suspect has been apprehended and school administrators are working with law enforcement to ensure the safety of our faculty, staff and students.”
The statement said that going forward, school officials will provide extra security during school hours, and students will be screened with weapon detectors.
“Again, faculty, staff and students were not threatened; however, we want to continue to ensure that safety is a top priority,” the message reads.
Jason Ashley, chief of the Purvis Police Department, said the incident was handled by officials from the Lamar County School District’s police department. Steven Hampton, superintendent of the Lamar County School District, was not available for comment on the matter.
