Paradise Honors High School was evacuated on Thursday after a written threat was reported in one of the restrooms which referenced a bomb on campus, according to a message sent to parents. Officials advised parents that “safety protocols were immediately initiated and students were evacuated to safe areas.”
“The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Department arrived to the school and took over the situation,” according to the message from school officials. “Numerous deputies and K9 units conducted a thorough and extensive search. The search yielded no weapons, explosives, or foreign items of any kind and the threat was determined to be a hoax.”
Paradise Honors High School is a charter high school near Loop 303 and Cactus Road.
According to officials, some students did experience distress due to the heat and being outside for just under two hours. Because the school was closed to students until buildings had been deemed safe by law enforcement water was not available. Officials requested water from the Rural Metro Fire Department but they were unable to fulfill the request.
“Sheriff’s deputies and school administration will continue to investigate this threat and disciplinary actions will be administered to any student found to be involved. Classes will resume as usual tomorrow,” wrote officials. “However, there will be an increased police presence in and around the school. In addition, counselors will be available if any students would like to talk to someone about this situation.”