Bomb threat sent to Long Island middle school prompts evacuation

A bomb threat sent to a school in Patchogue, Long Island was deemed to be non-credible, Suffolk County police said Thursday.

The threat, sent to Patchogue-Medford School District officials overnight, indicated the presence of a bomb on the second floor of South Ocean Middle School.

It has not been revealed who sent that threat.

Officials were notified of the email around 7:50 a.m., shortly before students began arriving for class. Teachers and school staff were immediately evacuated from the building as an investigation into the threat was launched.

Students who arrived at that time were taken by bus to Bay Elementary School , the Long Island Advance reported.

"Safety and security are paramount to us, and we are following all protocols to ensure such," Superintendent Donna Jones said in an email sent to parents and guardians. "All students are safe at this time in Bay gymnasium. Please do not come to pick your child up. Once the building is clear, all South Ocean students will return to the building."

In a follow-up message, Jones told community members that a thorough investigation by Suffolk County Police had deemed the threat to be "unsubstantiated."

South Ocean Middle School Principal Timothy Piciullo later reiterated Jones' statement, saying a "full safety sweep of the building" found the threat to be non-credible.

"Students, administrators, faculty, and staff have returned to the building and will proceed with the school day," he added.

Parents of some students expressed frustration at district officials for their handling of the incident. Some told News12 Long Island it took them over an hour to understand what was happening at the school.