December 10th, 2014 by WCBC Radio

On December 10, 2014, at approximately 1:00pm officials at Fort Hill High School received a tip about a possible threat that was to occur at dismissal time outside the school.  As a precaution, officials locked down the school and notified the Cumberland Police Department.  An investigation was initiated by Cumberland Police School Resource Officers with the assistance of Detectives with the C3I Unit.  During the investigation, several interviews were conducted with people throughout the school.  As a result, it was determined that a student did make some statements that were perceived as threatening to other students.  Police were able to determine that no immediate threat existed.  As a precaution, the Board of Education coordinated their dismissal procedures with the Cumberland Police in order to increase the safety of their students leaving South Cumberland schools.   Cumberland Police Officers, Troopers from the Maryland State Police, Deputies from the Allegany County Sheriff’s Office, Detectives from the Allegany County Combined Criminal Investigation Unit, and Allegany County School Board Security Officers saturated the area surrounding the schools monitoring the dismissals and being alert for anything suspicious.  Thankfully, no incidents occurred. 

The student involved in the incident will be disciplined in accordance with Allegany County Board of Education policy.  The Cumberland Police will be conducting further investigation with the possibility of criminal charges being filed.