All schools closed due to investigation; minimal damage; Tuesday evening activities back on; regular schedule Wednesday
By Randy Arrington
LURAY, Dec. 2 — After initially issuing a two-hour delay in response to what VDOT dubbed the “first widespread winter storm of the season,” Page County Public Schools made a decision around 9 a.m. Tuesday morning to close all buildings in the division.
“Earlier today, we were made aware of a potential incident at Luray Middel School,” reads a Dec. 2 statement from acting superintendent, Dr. Paul Johnson.
“While law enforcement and school staff were actively investigating, additional information came to light that there was a possible security threat to multiple schools that required us to close schools so a more detailed investigation could take place,” the statement continues. “Unfortunately, this information came to us after the initial bus runs had begun and thus we had to make a late decision to close schools and return some students back to their homes. We understand this late announcement was a challenge for families.”
At 7:39 a.m., deputies from the Page County Sheriff’s Office and officers with the Luray Police Department were dispatched to Luray Middle School “in reference to a reported breaking and entering,” according to a press release issued by the Sheriff’s Office. “Upon arrival, law enforcement personnel observed a broken window on the lower level of the building. A thorough search of the school was conducted, and no individuals were located inside.”
“An investigation was initiated, which included a review of the school’s security camera footage. Through this review, a suspect was identified. Deputies contacted the individual at his residence, where he was taken into custody without incident,” the PCSO press release states.
The Commonwealth’s Attorney’s office quickly charged Shawn Hugh Sheriff of Shenandoah with two felonies for breaking and entering with intent to commit a felony, and destruction of property valued at more than $1,000. He was also charged with a misdemeanor for “maliciously activating a fire alarm.”
Video evidence clearly identified the suspect and showed that he was in the building for about 8 minutes around 4 a.m. on Tuesday. While damage has been described as “minimal”, the biggest mess was left in the LMS library, where a fire extinguisher was set off. A window in a first floor classroom was broken. No motive has been mentioned in the case.
“As of 10 a.m. this morning, the Page County Sheriff’s Office and the Luray Police Department have determined that this was an isoltaed event at Luray Middle School,” Dr. Johnson stated in his prepared release. “…We’d appreciate your understanding, patience and flexibility as we continuie to work with law enforcement and follow safety protocols. The safety of our students and staff is our highest priority.”
With the incident being isolated to LMS and the key suspect in custody, the decision was made to resume all afternoon and evening school activities and games across the school division for Tuesday, Dec. 2. All Page County Public Schools will operate on a normal schedule Wednesday, Dec. 3.
“Based on all information obtained during the investigation, this appears to be an isolated incident, and there are no known ongoing threats to the safety of the public or our schools,” Dr. Johnson stated. “Additionally we want to thank the Page County Sheriff’s Office and the Luray Police Department for their responsiveness and support.”
The PCSO also acknowledged numerous agencies involved in the incident, including the Luray Police Department, Shenandoah Police Department, Elkton Police Department, and Virginia State Police.
For more information about Page County Public Schools,
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