CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. -- Cosby High School will reopen Friday after classes were canceled at the Chesterfield school Thursday following an online threat.
In an email to parents, Ben Snyder, the school's principal, explained that late Wednesday night they were notified that eight students were in a group chat where one person said they were going to "blow up the school."
"As soon as we were made aware, we immediately contacted Chesterfield Police," Snyder explained. "Chesterfield Police investigated and went to the home of the student who made this threatening comment."
Investigators interviewed the student, who told officers the threatening statement was a joke.
"The investigation indicates the suspect did not have the means to carry out the threat and the threat was not credible," officials wrote.
Officers brought in K-9 units to sweep the building and were given the all clear, but still canceled classes out of an abundance of caution.
Snyder said he was grateful to Chesterfield Police for "quickly and thoroughly" investigating the threat.
"Based on this information from police, Cosby High School will open on time tomorrow, Friday, March 22," Snyder wrote.
The school's principal urged parents to talk to their children about "choosing words carefully."
"There are some topics that are never joking matters, and this is one of them," Snyder warned. "Even something said in jest can create fear and anxiety for students, staff and families."
This is a developing story, so anyone with more information can email newstips@wtvr.com to send a tip.
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