‘Hoax’ bomb threats made at BHS, four other SPS schools

BHS evacuated Wednesday; SPD calling threats empty 

Elliot Bailey and Meagan Tajalle
Originally published February 26, 2016

Ballard was evacuated after school on Wednesday after bomb threats were reported to Seattle police at BHS and four other SPS schools.

Around 2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, a call was made to the main office referencing a bomb, according to Administrative Secretary Vivian Belcher. The call was answered first by Administrative Secretary Kim Nickerson, who then told Belcher to take the call.

“First [Kim Nickerson] thought it was just a random person rambling. Within moments you knew it wasn’t making any sense, but you still have to take it as . . . this is something we need to pay attention to,” Belcher said.

Belcher called security staff to the main office, and after they had listened to the call they informed police. Several SPD vehicles arrived promptly to secure the school. None were injured.

Those evacuated from the school included performing arts students who moved rehearsal to a nearby church.

Similar bomb threats were made at Garfield, Roosevelt, Nathan Hale and Ingraham. SPD immediately dubbed the calls a hoax, saying on the SeattlePD twitter that officers were sent to the schools out of an “abundance of caution.” Beyond Wednesday afternoon’s evacuation, Ballard classes and after school activities have not been affected by the threats. All classes and activities will proceed as normal.

This is a letter written by Principal Keven Wynkoop addressing the threats. It was sent to Ballard families and posted to BHS’ website home page on Thursday.