Newton High School/Junior High School Building Evacuated Due to "Emergency Situation"

The building housing Newton Community High School and Jasper County Junior High School was evacuated this afternoon for what law enforcement officials called an "emergency situation".  Initial reports were that someone phoned in a bomb threat.

Buses waiting as students are evacuated from Newton Community High School. Photo by Terisa Lingafelter.

Law enforcement officers searched the building and found evidence that could lead to those who allegedly phoned in the threat.

Students were bused from the high school/junior high school building to St. Thomas School. Kindergarten students were dismissed from Scott Avenue Christian Church for the day. All other Jasper District students were dismissed from St. Thomas School.

Law enforcement on scene searching the school. Photo by Terisa Lingafelter.

Jasper School Superintendent Dan Cox said a fake bomb threat was received by school officials at approximately 12:10pm.  An unidentified caller reported that there was a bomb in the school set to blow up at 2pm.

Authorities continue to investigate the incident, collecting evidence and interviewing potential witnesses.  A dog trained to detect bombs searched the school, but nothing was found.