Bomb threat at Pat-Med's South Ocean Middle School

Suffolk County Police Fifth Squad detectives investigated a bomb threat that occurred at South Ocean Middle School in Patchogue on Thursday, Sept. 19.

The school, according to police, received an email overnight indicating there was a bomb on the second floor of the school. Police were notified at approximately 7:50 a.m. Emergency Service Section officers then checked the school and the threat was determined to be non-credible. 

According to the district, messages were issued to the community regarding the bomb threat,

The first message issued by superintendent of schools Donna Jones detailed that prior to the arrival of students, all administrators, faculty, and staff were immediately evacuated from the building, and an investigation was launched in coordination with the Suffolk County Police Department.

During that time, no students were allowed in the building once they began arriving. Additionally, walkers were directed to South Ocean’s field, and buses were taken to Bay Elementary School. The walkers were also then transported to Bay, where all students were kept safe in the gymnasium.

“Safety and security are paramount to us, and we are following all protocols to ensure such,” Jones said. “All students are safe at this time in Bay gymnasium. Please do not come to pick your child up. Once the building is clear, all South Ocean students will return to the building.”

Jones then issued an additional message noting that after a thorough investigation, Suffolk County Police determined the bomb threat was “unsubstantiated.”

The building, she said, was fully cleared by police and established as safe. The district then returned all students, administrators, faculty, and staff to the building.

South Ocean Middle School Principal Dr. Timothy Piciullo issued a final message reiterating Jones’ statement.
“Following a thorough investigation, Suffolk County Police conducted a full safety sweep of the building and determined that the bomb threat sent this morning was unsubstantiated,” he wrote. “Students, administrators, faculty, and staff have returned to the building and will proceed with the school day.”

“We hold safety and security to be paramount, and out of an abundance of caution, we are remaining in close contact with the Suffolk County Police Department throughout the day,” he added. “I would like to commend our South Ocean scholars for the poise they displayed as they adhered to our safety procedures, and we have spoken with them about the importance of their cooperation.”

District counselors were also made readily available for any students who required additional support.