Nearly Three-Fourths Of East Sandy Elementary Students Stay Home After Possible Threat

SANDY, Utah – Students at East Sandy Elementary school sheltered in place Monday while police investigated a potential school threat.

The shelter-in-place was lifted just after 1:30 p.m.

However, many parents opted to keep their kids home after being alerted about Sunday about the possible threat.

According to Canyons School District, an employee receive an email that could be construed as a threat. Police were alerted and began investigating, but they have yet to determine if the threat was credible.

“There will be extra police presence on campus throughout the day, said Kirsten Stewart, associate communications director at Canyons School District. “We’ll have extra administrators also on hand. They’ll be a reassuring presence for students in the hallways. We have counselors for students who are feeling anxious.”

The district reported attendance was about one-fourth of what it normally is; 103 students showed up for class Monday versus the normal attendance of about 440 students.

Authorities said they don’t take threats lightly, even if they appear to be hoaxes.

“Every single one is treated like an actual threat,” said Sandy City Police Sgt. Justin Nielsen.” …  It is a tremendous use of resources, so it does exhaust a lot of things as far as what we can do to protect the public.”

Police have not disclosed what was in the email because it could hinder their investigation. However, whoever made the possible threat could face charges.

Anyone with information about the email is asked to contact authorities. The district is encouraging all students and parents to say something if they see something.

Anyone additional questions or concerns can call 801-826-8425.