Medford Police Investigate School Threat Hoax
Officers say there is no credible threat to student safety at South Medford High School
MEDFORD, Ore. — Medford Police are investigating a reported hoax threat involving South Medford High School after a student reported that their school email account may have been hacked and used to send a threatening message.
According to the Medford Police Department, the incident was first reported early Sunday, May 10, at approximately 12:15 a.m. A juvenile student contacted police and said they believed their school email account had been hacked or compromised.
Police said the student’s account was reportedly used to send an email indicating there was a threat to South Medford High School. The message was later shared widely online, causing concern among community members and leading to multiple calls to Emergency Communications of Southern Oregon.
Medford Police said investigators have been working on the case since it was first reported and are coordinating with Medford School District staff to gather additional information. Investigators are also working to determine who may be responsible.
The department said it takes threats of this nature seriously. Officers provided extra security at South Medford High School, and school staff worked with law enforcement to sweep the campus before students arrived Monday morning.
School Resource Officers and additional officers were present at the school Monday, May 11, and police said they will continue maintaining a presence throughout the week. A full-time School Resource Officer is assigned to all secondary public schools within the City of Medford.
Based on the information currently available, Medford Police said investigators do not believe there is a credible threat to student safety.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information may contact Lt. Geoff Kirkpatrick at 541-774-2226 or gbkirkpatrick@cityofmedford.org.
Cover Image: South Medford High School in Medford. Medford Police are investigating a reported hoax threat involving the school after a student reported their email account may have been hacked. Photo courtesy South Medford High School / Medford School District.
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