A bomb threat conveyed in a letter to Santa Margarita Catholic High School Wednesday forced the closure of the campus and the postponement of a boys’ basketball game Wednesday evening, but a search turned up nothing and the school is scheduled to re-open Thursday.
The typed letter arrived in the mail sometime mid-morning at the school at 22062 Antonio Parkway, according to Carrie Braun of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
School officials called sheriff’s deputies after receiving the threat, Braun said.
“The sheriff’s department determined no immediate threat to campus or to students so they decided to let school continue,” Braun said.
Classes let out Wednesday afternoon, but the campus was closed at 3 p.m. so sheriff’s investigators could sweep the grounds for evidence and explosives, Braun said. A sweep of the school and the next-door church, which shares a parking lot with the school, produced nothing, Braun said.
A boys’ basketball game Wednesday evening was postponed.
The school sent an email to parents announcing the shutdown of the campus.
“The safety and security of our students, faculty and staff is our highest priority,” the statement said. “In an abundance of caution, all after- school activities have been canceled. At this time, we are optimistic the investigation will be concluded this evening and that school will be in session tomorrow.”
–City News Service