LAUREL — Three schools in Laurel were placed on alert and evacuated Wednesday after receiving bomb threats, prompting a large, multi-agency law enforcement response, officials said.
The threats targeted Laurel High School, Laurel Christian High School and Laurel Christian Elementary School, according to the Jones County Sheriff’s Department.
Deputies from the agency provided mutual aid assistance to the Laurel Police Department as officers worked to search buildings, secure school campuses and protect students, teachers and staff during evacuations.
Multiple divisions within the sheriff’s department responded, including patrol, criminal investigations and reserve units. Authorities said teams coordinated with Laurel police to conduct systematic searches of the buildings, perimeters, and surrounding areas.
A K-9 unit specializing in explosive detection was also deployed. Sgt. Joey Davis and K-9 Aspen assisted in the searches alongside additional K-9 teams from other agencies.
No explosives or injuries were immediately reported.
The Laurel Police Department is continuing to investigate the source of the threats. Officials said the sheriff’s department remains ready to assist as needed.
