(Updated 11:18 a.m.) Riverhead Police Chief David Hegermiller said at 11:16 a.m. the lockout has been lifted. He would not comment when asked if anyone had been arrested.
“We’re still investigating. That’s all I will say right now,” he said.
Original story:
Riverhead school buildings across the district are on a lockout this morning, following a “racist threat” made against students at Riverhead High School, according to School Superintendent Dr. Aurelia Henriquez.
“Please be advised that the Riverhead Town Police Department has informed district administration that that a racist threat was made against students at Riverhead High School,” Henriquez said in a recorded phone message to parents.
“As police and district security investigate the credibility of this threat, all Riverhead schools are on lockout,” the superintendent said. “A lockout prohibits any visitor from entering the building,” she said.
Riverhead Police would provide no additional information out an “ongoing investigation” in the area.
The specific nature and manner of the threat are not known at this time.
Panicked parents report receiving text messages from their children who said they were “barricaded” inside their classrooms.
In a phone interview at 11:10 a.m., Riverhead Police Chief David Hegermiller said, while he can’t provide details at this time, “the situation is under control.”
“Everyone should remain calm,” the chief said.
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