YORK Co., Va. – Deputies with the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office have concluded their investigation into a threat that was found written on a girls’ bathroom wall at York High School Thursday afternoon.
School officials alerted the sheriff’s office around 12:30 p.m.
Authorities say the threat read, “On March 6th I am going to shoot 3 people who have harmed me. This is your warning.”
The bathroom was immediately shut down and remains closed at this time.
Deputies said they have identified the student responsible as 18-year-old Lyndsey Brooks Scarborough. She was arrested for threats to commit serious bodily harm to persons on school property, which is a Class 6 felony, and destruction of property.
Scarborough, a York High student, was taken to the Virginia Peninsula Regional Jail and was later released on an unsecured bond.
Though the investigation revealed there was no intent to fulfill the threat and students and staff were not at risk, Scarborough will face appropriate disciplinary action at school.
“I am extremely pleased with the collaborative effort between the York County School Division and our Sheriff’s Office and in the swift conclusion of this case to be able to put people’s minds at ease,” said Sheriff Diggs with the YPSO.
The York County School Division called all parents of York High students to make them aware of the situation. Below is the message that was sent to families Thursday:
School administrators, in conjunction with the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office, have been investigating a potential threat found in graffiti in a school restroom.
There is no other evidence at this point that indicates this to be a credible threat. The Sheriff’s Office is still investigating and will take the appropriate action as necessary to make sure the school is safe. Additional deputies will be onsite tomorrow as well, as a precaution and reassurance to families. I want to assure you that we take this matter very seriously and are working closely with authorities as they continue to investigate this matter.
As we continue to work with law enforcement, I would like to ask your assistance in this matter as well. Please use this as an opportunity to speak with your child about the importance of reporting suspicious activity and the dangers of using social media to create or advance rumors of a threatening nature.
As you know, maintaining a safe and secure learning environment for all students is a top priority for everyone at our school. We will continue to inform you of events that affect our school.
“This was a poor decision with very serious implications,” said Dr. Victor Shandor, the division superintendent. “While this incident is the result of a prank, the York County School Division, along with the Sheriff’s Office, will continue to take each and every report seriously.”
The sheriff’s office is also reminding students if they hear or see something to say something. When possible, students, staff, parents and community members are asked to share reports of actual or suspected threats directly with a school administrator or trusted staff member.
