Leesburg Police investigate school threat

The Leesburg Police Department has been made aware of a social media threat of violence involving a firearm related to a Harper Park Middle School juvenile student. The involved student was quickly located on Feb. 17, and it was determined that the student does not have a firearm in their possession. 

The Leesburg Police Department Criminal Investigations Section in conjunction with the LPD School Resource Officer assigned to HPMS continue to investigate the matter. They are additionally working with Loudoun County Public Schools regarding this threat. The involved student and their family are fully cooperating with the investigation.

As the investigation continues and out of an abundance of caution, parents can expect extra patrols at the school from LPD during school hours this week due to the threat.

The Leesburg Police Department is proud to partner with Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office and Loudoun County Public Schools on the Safe2Talk App.

Safe2Talk is a free downloadable app that allows users to choose the school where the issue is occurring and the type of incident. The user is provided options through drop-down menus for incidents such as alcohol and drug use, dating violence, weapons, sexual misconduct, graffiti, hate crimes, physical abuse, suicidal behaviors, or any other actions that threaten a student’s safety or the safety of others.

All reports through the app are monitored 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week by dispatchers in the Loudoun Sheriff’s Office Emergency Communications Center. In cases of imminent threats, LCSO patrol deputies or LPD patrol officers and School Resource Officers are immediately dispatched to the threat.

You can find more information about the app at sheriff.loudoun.gov/safe2talk.

We can all play a part in keeping safe. Report suspicious activity to the Leesburg Police Department 24/7 via our non-emergency dispatch line at 703-771-4500 or at 9-1-1 for emergencies. If you see something, say something.