CARMEL – Classes were scheduled to resume today at Carmel High School after emergency responders from throughout eastern Putnam County converged on the school 24 hours earlier when a voice message was discovered at the high school’s sprawling campus off Fair Street stating that bombs had been placed inside of the building. 

Headed up by the Putnam Sheriff’s Department with the assistance of Carmel Police and the Putnam Bureau of Emergency Services, an investigation and sweep of the school utilizing what Sheriff Brian Hess said was with “every available resource,” no credible threat was found.

Carmel Superintendent of Schools Michael Plotkin assured the community, “At no time were students or staff in danger. Our district’s immediate and comprehensive response reflects our unwavering commitment to safety. Out of an abundance of caution, we acted swiftly and decisively, ensuring every precaution was taken to protect our school community.”

Sheriff Hess said his department is continuing to investigate the origin of the call, adding that “all law enforcement agencies are involved, and if the individual or individuals responsible are apprehended, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Plotkin expressed relief that the threat was determined to be unfounded. He expressed his gratitude to the sheriff’s office for its “rapid and professional response, as well as to our high school’s emergency response team and staff for their calm and coordinated actions. Because of their efforts, safety remained our top priority.”