Paris, Ky. Independent Schools Closed after Bomb Threat
Source HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER via Knight Ridder
Paris Independent schools were closed yesterday in response to a bomb threat on the city buses and schools.
Police responded to a vandalism call at 6 a.m. at Legion Park where seven Paris Independent School District buses are parked, said Capt. Rick Elkin of the Paris police department. A cloth rag was placed in the opening of a bus' diesel fuel tank and ignited, but the flame died out before it got to the tank, he said.
Police later found a handwritten note that said there was a bomb on one of the buses and another bomb placed in a school.
Janice Blackburn, superintendent of Paris Independent School District, closed two school campuses as a safety precaution. The school district has about 750 students.
However, officials did not find any bombs. Police are working with the state arson investigator and will turn over the letter to the Kentucky State Police lab in Frankfort.
Paris police are examining a security surveillance tape from a nearby business.
Police said the incident could be related to a prank last week when someone took all the school bus license plates.
The school plans to make up the missed day either by adding another day or using a teacher professional development day.