North Platte Police have released new details following a bomb threat reported Monday at North Platte High School.
According to police, school administration and the School Resource Officer were notified on March 23 of a phone call from a subject threatening a bomb or explosive device on campus.
School officials and the School Resource Officer immediately activated emergency protocols, initiating a full evacuation using the Standard Response Protocol. Authorities say the building was cleared within minutes, and all students and staff were safely accounted for.
Law enforcement, working alongside school administrators, conducted an initial comprehensive search of the building, followed by a second, more detailed search of both the school and surrounding campus. The searches included uniformed and plainclothes officers, as well as drone technology. Police say no threats were identified during either search.
During the investigation, North Platte Public Schools coordinated a controlled release of students from Bauer Field, with law enforcement on scene to maintain safety and order.
After the building was cleared and deemed safe, staff were allowed to return to classrooms to collect personal items and check for anything suspicious. Staff were later released and returned in the afternoon to assist students retrieving their belongings and vehicles.
As an added precaution, the Nebraska State Patrol provided an explosives detection K9 to assist in searching sensitive areas of the campus. At no time were any explosives or devices located.
The incident remains under investigation. At this time, the caller has not been identified. Police say they are actively pursuing leads and using all available resources.
Anyone with information related to the incident is asked to contact the North Platte Police Department at 308-535-6789. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Lincoln County Crime Stoppers at LincolnCountyCrimeStoppers.com or by calling 1-800-933-TIPS.
North Platte Police also thanked the school district and community for their cooperation and emphasized that student and staff safety remains their highest priority.