Students return to Gateway Charter High School after threats had them learning remotely

Writer: Joey Pellegrino
Published: Updated:
Worried parents outside Gateway Charter High School. Credit: WINK News

It’s been two weeks since Gateway Charter High School went on lockdown just a few days before Thanksgiving break following a report of a threatening text. The school sent an email to parents over the weekend saying there would be an increased police presence as students head back to school Monday.

No one has been arrested yet. Two students were taken into custody the day the threats were made, but after questioning them and their families, it was decided they did not send the threats, according to Sheriff Carmine Marceno.

Panicked parents stood outside the school for over four hours while Lee County Sheriff’s deputies with guns and dogs investigated. Two text messages came into the school, which the sheriff’s team believes were sent from the same phone number, and possibly from a student.

The school says the threats were not credible and do not pose a safety concern for students returning Monday, but that doesn’t put all parents at ease.

“We’ve not gotten any information as to whether this was a bomb threat or somebody threatened to bring a gun to school,” said parent Chris Dion. “It’s all hearsay that we’re getting.”

“It’s going to be weird with all the police there, definitely, but it’s going to be better than going online fully,” said student Hayden Dion.

The LCSO says it’s continuing to investigate, and asks anyone with tips to contact Southwest Florida Crime Stoppers.

Copyright ©2024 Fort Myers Broadcasting. All rights reserved.

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without prior written consent.