The all clear has been given at Abbeville High School after students were suddenly evacuated earlier today.
All students and faculty were out of the building by 2:30 p.m., officials said. Students were being escorted from school at this hour by police and SWAT members after a "serious" bomb threat was made.
Someone called the school, said they were "down the street" and were going to bomb the school, officials say.
Abbeville Police said they were called at 12:43 p.m.
Officers immediately took action, securing the school. Officers worked with school officials, Vermilion Parish School Board Superintendent Brad Prudhomme, Vermilion Parish School Board Staff, Vermilion Parish Sheriff’s Office and K9 handlers from LA K9 to assure that all of the children and school staff were able to safely leave the school, a spokesman said.
An investigation is being conducted by the detective division of the Abbeville Police Department. No arrests have been made at this time. The details of the threat are not being released, police said
Board President Kibbie P. Pillette, Sr. said there was a serious bomb threat "and also threats of shooting" that police felt were at least somewhat credible.
"They sent in the SWAT teams and everything else, the children were escorted through the parking lot," Pillette said. "They have to remove the kids, so they can make a sweep of the school to make sure there are no explosive devices."
Pillette said parents shouldn't panic.
"Everything is well in hand. The superintendent is doing a great job," he said.
Police and K-9 swept the school and nothing was found, officials said.
Earlier we reported that students were being released early from Abbeville High School.
Abbeville police are investigating a situation at the school.
The details on the situation were not being released at the time of dismissal.
The Vermilion Parish Sheriff's department was called in by police to help.
Superintendent of Vermilion Parish Schools says students are being released early from school and the kids will get home safely.
We have a crew en route and will have an update as soon as one becomes available.
Parent and guardians, Due to an emergency, Abbeville High School is closed. Buses are loading the students as we speak to go home. Car riders may pick up their child at 2:15 to allow all buses to leave. Student drivers were the first to leave school. All students were escorted by police to the parking lot or bus. More information will be release at a later date. We are working with police, sheriff, swat and the school district to ensure a safe and secure release of Abbeville High School.
