On 09/08/2021 Opelika Police Department Detectives began investigating a bomb threat that was called into Opelika High School at 11:45 AM that day. Detectives have determined that the call was made by a 13-year-old juvenile from Florida. They have concluded the juvenile had no connection to Opelika and the threat was not creditable. OPD is working with the District Attorney’s Office and authorities in Florida to determine the next steps in the investigation.
The department would also like to address a few rumors which have been circulating on social media. First, a bomb was never located at the high school. Canines from OPD, Auburn Police Department and Lee County Sheriff’s Office did a thorough sweep of the building, and no explosive devices were located. Additionally, there was a Snapchat screenshot that was circulating online. It was determined that the photo was from a threat for another school, in a different town on a separate date and had no relation to this incident.
The Opelika Police Department understands the public’s desire for additional information, but we caution you from spreading rumors or sharing information, without providing context, which can potentially hinder an investigation.
In instances like this, public information will be relayed as quickly and efficiently as safely possible. OPD encourages the public to download the Opelika Police mobile app, ensure they have alerts turned on and follow their social media pages. This allows the community to receive the most accurate and up-to-date information.