‘Suspicious device’ found at Ferndale’s Vista Middle School determined ‘non-threatening’
Ferndale Police investigated a “suspicious device” found Monday morning, March 7, at Vista Middle School and determined it to be to “non-threatening,” though it was disguised to look harmful.
Ferndale School District parents received first notice of the suspicious device shortly after 11:30 a.m. Monday after administrators at Vista Middle School reported the suspicious device to the Ferndale Police Department.
“A suspicious device has been reported at Vista Middle School,” a text message sent to parents read. “Students & Staff were removed from the area. Law enforcement is on sight investigating. Please refrain from coming to the school as it could affect the potential need for further evacuation.”
The Ferndale Police Department, aided by the Bellingham Police Department’s Hazardous Device Unit, assessed and disassembled the device and found that it was “non-threatening,” according to a joint news release from the police department and school district Monday afternoon.
Police also searched the building and surrounding grounds before students and staff were allowed to return, according to the release.
“In every case, the safety of our community is our top priority and guiding principle,” the release stated. “The Ferndale School District is grateful for the quick response by Ferndale Police Department as we worked diligently and collaboratively to ensure threats are fully investigated and resolved. Together, this partnership continues to keep our students, staff, and communities safe.”
Parents were notified that the device was non-threatening in an email at 12:28 p.m. Though it was determined that it was non-threatening, the email said the devices was “made to look harmful.”
“As always, we encourage you, parents, students, staff, and community members, to report any concerns or questionable behavior to Ferndale Schools administration and/or Ferndale Police Department,” the release stated, adding that Ferndale Schools has an anonymous reporting tool at Vector Alert.
This story was originally published March 7, 2022 at 1:18 PM.
