PSP, FBI investigating after third threat causes alternate learning day for CMHS, CMMS
MILL HALL — Following a third threat in the same number of school days made towards Central Mountain High School, the Keystone Central School District Administration said Pennsylvania State Police and the FBI are investigating the incidents.
Issues began on Friday when a threat was brought to the attention of the schools. At the time, the threat was made during school hours and the building was placed into lock down. While students and staff sheltered-in-place, an investigation was held and deemed the threat to not be credible.
Monday morning, before students even arrived at the building, another threat shifted learning for both CMHS and Central Mountain Middle School — which shares bus routes with the high school — to move to a remote learning day.
According to a release from Superintendent Dr. Francis Redmon, a sweep of the building and surrounding area by PSP and other law enforcement found the bomb threat to be unfounded.
And on Tuesday morning, another specific threat was made to CMHS, forcing both it and CMMS into a remote learning day once again.
KCSD’s administration in a statement Tuesday morning said a strong law enforcement presence was already at the high school due to the prior threat.
“In coordination with the on-site Pennsylvania State Police, we decided to send students home to prioritize the safety of our students and staff,” the release said.
The release noted the sweep which took place the day prior and also acknowledged social media posts regarding blood that was seen on lockers within the high school.
“After viewing the security footage, it was confirmed that one of the canines involved in yesterday’s safety sweep bit its tongue, resulting in the presence of blood in the hallway,” the release said.
The statement emphasized the threats made have been specific to Central Mountain High School and that Central Mountain Middle School has only been transitioned to remote learning due to shared transportation.
“There are no threats to any other building in the district,” the statement said.
The release stated that PSP and the FBI are actively investigating the continued threats being made to CMHS.
“We understand the difficulty that these changes to school routines can cause for families. However, safety is always our top priority,” the statement said. “We will share information as we are able, and appreciate your understanding as we prioritize safety.”
The administration made a follow-up statement Tuesday afternoon, in which it said it will keep CMHS under remote instruction for the remainder of the week.
“After another thorough search by PSP, the CMHS campus has been cleared. However, at this time, the source(s) of the threats remain unknown.”
CMHS will remain on remote learning through Friday, March 27, while the investigation into the source of the threats continues.
“If we can identify the source of the threats before the end of the week, we will resume in-person instruction,” the statement said.
Furthermore, the administration said CMMS will return to in-person instruction today with “increased adult and police presence.”
In a statement made Monday afternoon, Redmon said it was confirmed, or evidence as of yet which indicated, this was part of a “swatting” incident similar to one that took place at Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport on Monday morning.
“We have no evidence that these incidents are connected to the threat to KCSD or CMHS,” he said.
Penn College issued a statement regarding an incident that occurred Monday morning in relation to a potential active shooter in the Keystone Dining Hall.
According to the statement, college police and emergency personnel responded quickly to the area and the campus was placed in lock down.
Through an investigation of the 911 recording, Penn College said it was confirmed the campus was a victim of a “swatting” or prank call.



