Suspicious package at school determined not to be a threat

Donathan Prater
Staff Writer
Published: May 14, 2008

What Auburn police and fire officials are describing as a “suspicious package” prompted the early morning evacuation of Auburn High School today (May 14) after a school worker discovered a small box in front of the school’s administrative building and notified authorities.

After Auburn fire and police personnel arrived and used x-ray equipment to inspect the package, it was determined there was no danger.  “We don’t take any chances in situations like these,” said Lynda Rainer, public relations director for Auburn City Schools.

Students that were evacuated from the school reported to the designated areas they would have if a fire had occurred.  “Essentially it was like a fire drill,” Rainer added.  “There have been rumors that classes have been canceled, but classes are going on as regularly scheduled,” said Rainer.  The incident is still under investigation.

The Auburn Police Division issued this statement at 9:53 a.m.:

“At approximately 6:27 a.m., Auburn Police received a call from an Auburn High School staff member reporting a suspicious package found at the front entrance to the school. Auburn Police arrived on the scene and determined the package to be of a suspicious nature and under caution requested the Alabama Department of Public Safety Bomb Unit respond. It was later determined that the package contained no explosives and at no time were any staff or students in danger.”