An "inappropriate comment" about a possible bomb on campus made by a San Gorgonio Middle School student prompted quick action by school officials and police Wednesday afternoon, even though the comment turned out to be unfounded, police tell Banning-Beaumont Patch.
Beaumont Police Chief Frank Coe tells Patch the comment was made by an 11-year-old boy. That boy apparently mentioned to another student the school was going to blow up at 3 p.m. That student told his parents, who in turn informed the school, who called police.
"We contacted both the students," Coe said. "The student that made the comment admitted that he was just being silly with his friend... There was no credible threat."
Coe said the police department still responded with full "kids with gun" protocol, searching both the school and the child's house to be absolutely sure there was no threat.
The boy "did not realize the ramifications of his actions," Coe added.
The school had an early release day, so class was not in session when police performed their search. However, students still on campus for after-school activities were escorted off, parents tell Banning-Beaumont Patch.
