Authorities applaud 'Safe2Say' caller, even though gun threat was unfounded

A “Safe2Say” report Wednesday afternoon of a weapon being found at Indiana Area Senior High School was investigated and determined to be unfounded, Indiana Borough Police Department said. “At approximately 4:45 p.m.

IBPD officers and IASD administration began investigating a Safe2Say report that informed of a conversation overheard between two male students involving a gun being in one of their lockers,” Indiana Police Chief Justin Schawl said. “Multiple interviews were conducted, surveillance video was reviewed, and the school building was searched by specially trained K-9 officers from Allegheny and Westmoreland (counties) at our request. There was no finding of a gun inside the school.



” The police department said officers have identified and interviewed both students who were overheard in conversation, and stressed, “Specific to this investigation, we do not believe there was or is a threat to the Indiana Area Senior High School.” IBPD patrols all Indiana Area district buildings in the borough and White Township. “IASD worked with the IBPD to identify the students in question, and the IASD officials searched the students’ lockers and found nothing,” Indiana Area School District Superintendent Robert J.

Heinrich Jr. said Thursday morning. The office of District Attorney Robert F.

Manzi Jr. also was called in. “I want to applaud the student who made the Safe2Say tip,” Manzi said in a Thursday afternoon statement.

“It takes courage to speak up and do the right thing. While we did not find any threat, we can safely say that after a very thorough investigation. Students and their families can rest knowing that any potential threat will be treated seriously and investigated thoroughly.

” Heinrich and Schawl concurred. “We are grateful for the student who made the Safe2Say report,” the Indiana police chief said. “We want all students to remain observant and to report suspicious activity when it is observed.

We are all safer when we are working together.” Manzi agreed, saying he could not “stress enough that we ask everyone to stand up and tell law enforcement and the school of any perceived threat. Do not worry if its just people talking our of line or an actual threat, just report it.

We prefer to investigate early and stop all potential threats.” Even though the tip was unfounded, the superintendent said, “safety is everyone’s job. Whenever you think something might be unsafe, always err on the side of caution and say something.

” Heinrich also thanked the students who were questioned and their families. “This experience had to be an unsettling and scary few moments,” Heinrich said, “and we appreciate their cooperation and understanding.” Manzi thanked IASD and IBPD for “their quick, professional and thorough response to the matter,” adding, “in a short period of time, individuals were identified, interviews were conducted and the entire school was searched twice.

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