Bomb threat found a hoax

n Note was found in girls' restroom at Gravette High after classes dismissed.

GRAVETTE -- A written note found in the girls' restroom at Gravette High School last Thursday resulted in a search of the building by Gravette police, assisted by an explosive detection dog from the Bentonville Police Department.

According to Gravette superintendent of schools, Richard Page, the note read that a bomb was located in the Performing Arts Center.

School had already been dismissed for the day and the school evacuation policy was not necessary. A thorough search of the building turned up nothing. Utilizing its communication system to parents and students, they were advised the building had been declared safe. School classes resumed on schedule Friday.

Page noted that similar bomb threats have been made recently at several area schools during school hours which resulted in evacuations or cancellation of classes. He said that high school principal Jay Chalk met with faculty and staff early Friday to review procedures that are in place in such a situation.

Gravette's police chief, Andrew Bower, issued the following press release:

"On April 16, 2014, at approximately 3:30 p.m., Gravette Police offices responded to the Gravette High School on a complaint of a bomb threat being found. Upon their arrival, officers were taken to a public women's restroom and shown a note written inside a stall that stated that there was a bomb in the Performing Arts Center.

"Bentonville Police Department dispatched an explosive detection dog and handler to assist in the search, and the area was thoroughly searched by officers, employees of the school and the canine team. A second note was discovered, but no evidence of a device or tampering was found.

"Several students were interviewed based on information received the following day. Evidence has been recovered and is waiting transport to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for analysis. The investigation is continuing and the public is asked to contact the Gravette Police Department if they have any information pertaining to the case."