An unfounded bomb threat reported Thursday will cost "tens of thousands of dollars," possibly for the ones responsible, said Archbald Police Chief Tim Trently.
K9 units and bomb technicians searched the Valley View High School Thursday, confirming a third false bomb threat at the district, according to the chief. He said emergency personnel and services were on site from about 9:45 a.m. until about 4:30 p.m., accruing a hefty price tag.
"Whoever is responsible is going to be charged," he said. "Most appropriately, they should be responsible for restitution."
It was unclear late Thursday, how the response would be paid for if a suspect is not charged.
Scranton Police Hazardous Devices unit, the Pike County Sheriff's Bomb Squad, Scranton police, Mayfield police, Archbald police and state police all responded.
Scranton Police Chief Carl Graziano said the Hazardous Devices unit is reserved for instances that have some indication there is an actual device.
A K9 on scene acted "inappropriately," Chief Trently said, prompting the call for the additional bomb units, which normally respond together.
The dog's actions did not necessarily indicate a problem, but it acted out of the ordinary, the chief explained.
"The handler said we better be safe and I totally agree," he said. "We did a very extensive search in the hallway and lockers where the dog had indicated some type of response."
In a statement, district Superintendent Donald Kanavy said students told high school administration a threat was written on the bathroom wall around 10 a.m.
The buildings were evacuated and students were transported to a different location, he stated.
"No matter what the inconvenience, the safety of the students and faculty is paramount," Mr. Kanavy said in the release. "We will do whatever it takes to ensure their safety."
Valley View junior Gino Serafini, 17, was in gym class when the bomb threat came through. He didn't have time to stop at his locker before he was told to leave, but he said he was starting to get used to it.
When he heard the first one, he was worried, but confident that there was no threat. He called the second and the third threats an annoyance.
In the hours after the threat came in, many residents and students took to social media to vent similar frustrations.
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