Another Threatening Note Found At Plymouth-Canton Schools

CANTON (WWJ) - The "all clear" has been given at the Plymouth-Canton Educational Park, following a second police investigation this week that had the three high schools on lockdown.

Canton Police Det. David Schreiner said a bomb squad investigation unit was called to investigate after a threatening note was found by a student Wednesday morning in an open hallway.

He said the note was similar to the one found Monday, which prompted a lockdown followed by early dismissal for students at Salem, Plymouth and Canton high schools. Police believe there is a strong possibility the two notes are connected or from the same source.

The same morning, a bomb squad was called to the campus to investigate a suspicious package which turned out to be nothing.

Det. Schreiner said the department sent officers to scour the hallways, while the schools were under a "shelter in place" lockdown, which means class remained in session.  Police searched the three-school complex and determined that the schools were safe.

The lockdown was lifted just before 10 a.m..

Following this latest incident, Superintendent Jeremy Hughes said all teachers were called to a special meeting.

"They are going to be discussing the situation," said Hughes. "The faculty has gone through a lot, also, and they need an opportunity, I think to talk about that."

"And also to talk, secondly, about the students. And, thirdly, about how we're going to be dealing with these kinds of things in the future," he said.

Parent Debbie Benellow rushed to the school after receiving a text message from her son who is in the 10th grade at Salem High School.

"I would really hope that it's just a teen thinking that he can be really funny and try to get away [with something], especially after Monday, thinking hey ... let's see how far I can get away with this," Benellow said.

"If that's it, well somebody has to talk to this kid and help him," she said.

Canton Police are considering this to be a high priority case, and have increased presence and patrols at the high schools campus.

Meantime, investigators are still looking for the person responsible. The district is offering a $1,000 reward for tips leading to an arrest in the case.

In addition, Crime Stoppers will pay and additional sum up to $1,000. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers 3 ways -- Text your tip to 274637 or CRIMES, by phone 1-800-SPEAK UP, or online at www.1800speakup.org.

Anyone with information may also contact the Canton Township Department of Public Safety at 734-394-5400.