MAXTON, NC (WBTW) – School officials at Purnell Swett High School are keeping extra personal, including extra resource officers, on campus and on buses on Friday.
“Rumors of guns & arrests on Purnell Swett’s campus today aren’t true,” John Campbell, chairman of the Public Schools of Robeson County texted. “We will continue to monitor & keep extra personnel on campus and buses to assure student safety.”
The high school had sent a tweet out to the public earlier in the day stating Robeson County Emergency Management and Robeson County Sheriff’s Office are aware of the rumors concerning the school. “Both agencies have assessed the situation and there is no credible evidence to support these rumors at this time,” the tweet from the school stated.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office issued the following statement on Facebook:
“This morning Robeson County Sheriff’s Office was informed of alleged threats towards students at Purnell Swett High School. Immediately, extra deputies were placed at the school for the safety of the school staff and students. Throughout the day, Robeson County Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office were present to assess the situation. At no point were there any verbal altercations, physical assaults or weapons at the school. The Sheriff’s Office and District Attorney’s Office will continue to investigate the situation.“
Campbell said he has been assured the school staff, extra resource officers and sheriff deputies “have it under control.” He said extra adults will ride buses in the afternoon.
“I encourage adults to remain calm instead of throwing gas on the situation,” Campbell said.