Three Arlington-area schools were evacuated Tuesday morning after bomb threats were called in, prompting a swift response from local fire and police departments. The incidents unfolded across multiple campuses, creating concern among parents and school officials throughout the city.
The threats targeted Ditto Elementary School on Quail Lane, Swift Elementary School on South Fielder Road and Oakridge School on West Pioneer Parkway. All three campuses were cleared of students and staff as a precautionary measure while authorities conducted thorough searches of each facility.
The Arlington Fire Department and Arlington Police Department worked together to sweep all three schools for any suspicious devices. After completing their searches, officials declared each campus safe and confirmed no dangerous devices were found on any of the properties.
Arlington ISD took additional steps to ensure student safety during the search at Ditto Elementary by transporting students by bus to nearby Martin High School as a temporary shelter. District officials urged parents not to report to Martin High School to pick up their children until further communication was issued by the district.
The district released a statement asking for patience from families as authorities worked to clear the Ditto Elementary building. Parents were directed to await official word from Arlington ISD before attempting to retrieve their students.
Arlington ISD announced it would hold a news conference at 2:45 p.m. Tuesday to address the incidents and provide updated information to the public. Authorities have not yet released details regarding the origin of the threats or whether any suspects have been identified in connection with the calls.