RAMONA SCHOOL THREAT UNFOUNDED, SHERIFF SAYS

East County News Service

September 13, 2024 (Ramona) –Yesterday morning before 9 a.m., the Ramona Sheriff's Substation was notified by Olive Pierce Middle School about a threat of a possible school shooting. After an investigation, authorities have concluded the threat was unfounded.

Deputies arrived at the school within minutes. For the safety of students and staff, school administrators made the decision to place the school on a limited lockdown while deputies investigated the incident.    

After a thorough search of the entire campus, deputies did not find anything suspicious at Olive Pierce Middle School. No one was hurt.

Out of an abundance of caution, deputies also conducted security sweeps at Ramona High School and Ramona Community Montessori School and provided extra patrols at all three campuses until the end of the school day.

“At this time, there does not appear to be any threat to the Ramona community,” says Sergeant Sean Gallagher.  “While similar school threats have recently been reported at other schools across San Diego County, it is not known if the Ramona incident is related.”

Detectives from the Ramona Sheriff's Substation are handling the follow-up investigation. 

The San Diego County Sheriff's Office thanks the Ramona community for their cooperation and understanding throughout this incident.

If you have any information about this incident, call the Ramona Sheriff's Substation at (760) 738-2491. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

“The safety of our school children is a priority for the Sheriff's Office. We take all threats seriously,” says Sgt. Gallagher. “We want to remind students that if they hear any threats or even potential violence, they can always approach our Sheriff's School Resource Deputies or call the anonymous Student Speaking Out Hotline at (888) 580-8477.