Bomb-Scare Forces Evacuation of Carmel High School

Putnam County Sheriff Donald B. Smith and Carmel Central School Superintendent Andy Irvin report that a bomb-scare forced the evacuation of students from the Carmel High School today (Friday).

At about 11:40 A.M. this morning, a male caller telephoned the high school main office and told a receptionist that there was a bomb in the building. The caller mentioned the rooftop of the school.

School faculty and staff evacuated about 250 students from the building, which resulted in the interruption of final examinations and Regents tests. Students were ushered to predetermined evacuation locations.

Sheriff’s deputies deployed two bomb-sniffing dogs and the MTA Railroad Police provided three additional canines in sweeping the campus for explosives. Authorities checked the interior and rooftop of the main school building, two out-buildings and parking areas adjacent to the school. Authorities did not find any explosives or suspicious objects in that search.

An all-clear was given at about 1:30 P.M., and students were then allowed back into the classrooms to resume the scheduled testing. The school district sent an email alert to students’ parents apprising them of the bomb-threat and resulting evacuation.

Sheriff’s investigators are working with school officials to identify the person who made the bomb threat. Anyone with information that may help investigators is asked to call (845) 225-4300. All calls will be kept confidential.