It happened again at West Allis Central: "Three bomb threats in three days -- it's ridiculous"



WEST ALLIS -- Classes were cancelled at West Allis Central High School on Wednesday, March 9th after the school received its third bomb threat in as many days.

West Allis police say a bomb threat was phoned into the school around 10:30 a.m.

Police say the caller indicated the school would blow up.

"I can`t leave work everyday for a bomb threat," Tiffany Stark, a West Allis Central High School parent said.

West Allis Central High School



"We are getting entirely too good at this," Marty Lexmond, West Allis-West Milwaukee School District superintendent said.

"It's disruptive really -- and annoying, every time," Jonathan Colon, a West Allis Central High School student said.

On Wednesday, students were evacuated from the school based on the threat and police recommendations. A voicemail sent to parents indicated students were moved to Mount Hope Lutheran Church on 86th and Becher. Parents were able to pick up their students there.



"It's frustrating! I had to take off of work for this," Marena Velez, a West Allis Central High School parent said.

"I think three bomb threats in three days -- it's ridiculous. I hope whoever is doing this is caught," Jennifer Leonard, a West Allis Central High School parent said.

The West Allis Police Department, and Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office's Bomb Unit and K-9s were called to the school to perform another sweep.

West Allis Central High School



No explosives or devices were located.

Police said this in a statement:

This is the third bomb threat at West Allis Central High School in the last three days. Even though no explosive devices have been located and nobody has been injured as a result of these threats, they are very serious matters. Responding to these false threats drains vital public safety resources away from other duties. The West Allis Police Department will vigorously investigate and use all resources at its disposal to investigate the threats.


School officials tell FOX6 News ALL West Allis Central recreation department and after-school activities are cancelled for Wednesday evening, March 9th.

Classes will be canceled on Thursday, March 10th -- so district officials can meet with police and talk about how to put an end to these threats. Teachers and staff will be in school.

West Allis Central High School



"That is in order for us to have a meeting with local law enforcement. We`re going to bring in the chiefs and lieutenants, and meet with our principals and our safety staff to really review this entire situation and consider what else we should be adding to our protocols," Lexmond said.

Another issue that will be discussed is whether any days will need to be added to the school year to make up for all of the time that was lost this week.

Central students may enter the building to collect their belongings during these specific times:


    A WIAA boys basketball varsity sectional scheduled for Thursday evening, March 10th at West Allis Central High School will go on as scheduled.

    The following is a letter sent to Brookfield Academy parents regarding that game:

    Dear BA Community,

    As you know, our Boys Basketball Varsity Sectional is scheduled for Thursday, March 10th, at 7:00 p.m. at West Allis Central High School.

    A series of recent bomb threats at West Allis Central prompted us to contact the WIAA to see if a change in the location for this game might be possible.

    Discussions with the WIAA unfortunately determined that a change in location this close to game day would not be permitted by the WIAA. The WIAA will provide additional security for the game. They have assured us that they believe the location for tomorrow’s game is safe and will proceed as planned. If this should change, we will let you know.

    We certainly understand that the decision to attend this game rests with each individual family. We look forward to cheering our Blue Knights on to victory. Enjoy the game!

    Spence Taintor Head of School


    West Allis Central High School evacuated (Wednesday, March 9th)



    Classes will resume at West Allis Central High School on Friday, March 11th. All students will report to the field house.

    A $2,000 reward is now being offered for information on who might be responsible for these threats.

    Lexmond has made the consequences for these bomb threats clear: Disciplinary action could include not only explusion, but also criminal charges -- a felony on the caller's record.

    Lexmond said school district officials will also pursue damages for the cost associated with disrupting school.

    West Allis Central High School evacuated (Wednesday, March 9th)



    Anyone with information as to who may be responsible for these threats is asked to call the West Allis Police Department at 414-302-8000. If they wish to remain anonymous, they can contact the West Allis Crime Stoppers tip line at 414-476-CASH.

    Meanwhile, West Allis Mayor Dan Devine has released this statement:

    The events this week at West Allis Central have been frustrating to me and to the entire community.  I am extremely angry this continues to happen, and it must and will stop.

    The fact remains that almost all West Allis Central students are good kids who attend school for the right reasons. Their parents want them to learn, and the faculty is trying their best to teach them.

    These irresponsible actions not only disrupt the learning process for the students and teachers, but are a drain on our emergency services.  These threats are also a major injustice to the taxpayers of our community.  I will continue to work with the police department and the school district to bring an end to this lawlessness.


    The school was evacuated on Monday and Tuesday because of bomb threats. On each of those days, law enforcement officials were called in -- and students were moved to the field house on campus.

    Students were eventually allowed back into the school building after it was determined there was no threat.

    West Allis Central High School



    Some parents decided to take their children home for the day.

    The Milwaukee County Sheriff's Office's Bomb Unit was called out to the school on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday to assist with the investigation and sweep of the building. We're told the cost of that response ranges from $750 to $1,150 per incident -- not including the resupply of any materials used.

    FOX6 News has received the following data, showing how many times the MCSO Bomb Unit has been called out to schools in the Milwaukee area in 2015 and 2016:

    2015

    January 6th: Nathan Hale High School in West Allis

    January 27th: Williams Bay High School in Williams Bay

    March 3rd: St. Francis High School in St. Francis

    November 18th: St. Francis High School in St. Francis

    December 14th: Wauwatosa East High School in Wauwatosa

    2016

    January 20th: Greendale High School in Greendale

    February 4th: West Allis Central High School in West Allis

    March 7th: West Allis Central High School in West Allis

    March 8th: West Allis Central High School in West Allis

    March 9th: West Allis Central High School in West Allis

    March 9th: Wauwatosa West High School in Wauwatosa

    West Allis Central High School



    School was evacuated at West Allis Central and classes were cancelled for the day about a month ago -- on February 4th due to a bomb threat.

    We're told there have been no arrests made in connection with these three bomb threats.

    Monitor FOX6 News and FOX6Now.com for updates on this developing story.