Pottsville Police Investigate Threat Made to Gillingham Charter

A student was taken into custody after a bomb threat was made towards Gillingham Charter in Pottsville on Monday morning.

According to Pottsville Chief of Police, John R. Morrow, on March 20, 2023 around 10:30am, Pottsville Police were dispatched to Gillingham Charter School for a bomb threat. 

Staff found a message written in the men’s restroom which prompted the evacuation of the building. 

As a result of the investigation and witness statements, a 17-year-old male from Mahanoy City was taken into custody. 

A juvenile allegation was prepared by Corporal Michael Messner charging the male juvenile with threat to use weapons of mass destruction (F2), terroristic threats (F3), disorderly conduct (M3), and criminal mischief (S). The male juvenile was turned over to Juvenile Probation Officers.

Krista Bevan, Director of Organizational Development for Gillingham Charter stated "Gillingham Charter commends the students and faculty on a calm and efficient evacuation and thank the Pottsville Police and the PA State Police for their prompt attention to the situation. Our school counselor is available to any students who may need to speak with her to process the situation."