Broome County schools end lockouts after report of suspect's arrest
Several area schools and local businesses initiated a lockout procedure Monday afternoon after a suspect made an unidentified threat in Broome County.
Lourdes Hospital and its component offices, part of Ascension, were secured from about noon to 1:45 p.m. ”as a precautionary measure,” according to a network representative. UHS hospitals Wilson Medical Center and Binghamton General reportedly also secured their offices, but representatives could not be reached to clarify the procedures.
The Vestal Central School District ended its lockout at around 1:45 p.m. and sent an email and text to parents stating ”it has been confirmed by law enforcement that the suspect is in custody.”
Other districts began lifting the lockouts at around the same time.
A message to parents from the Susquehanna Valley Central School District said the threat was due to an “individual outside of the school in a neighboring community” and “it is believed that the concern is centered around the Whitney Point area.”
The Broome County Sheriff’s Office could not be reached to confirm the information.
In schools, lockout procedures mean that no one is allowed in or out of buildings on school grounds, but classes continue as normal.
Affected institutions included:
Binghamton City School District
Chenango Forks Central School District
Chenango Valley Central School District
Johnson City Central School District
Maine-Endwell Central School District
Susquehanna Valley Central School District
Union-Endicott Central School District
Vestal Central School District
Whitney Point Central School District
Roberson Museum and Science Center on Binghamton's West Side also entered a brief period of lockdown, following the lead from schools in the neighborhood. The museum offered to refund or transfer tickets purchased for Monday.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Broome County schools lockouts: Vestal District says suspect arrested
