What started as a scary report of a possible weapon on the River Ridge Middle and High School campus in New Port Richey yesterday ended with deputies calling it what it was: a hoax.
Students were ordered to shelter in their classrooms as administrators kicked the shared campus into its active-threat procedures. Outside, a large law enforcement presence swept the grounds while families waited for word that everyone was safe. District officials and deputies later gave the all-clear, and classes moved back into something resembling a normal day, though with extra security still on site.
Search and all-clear
Deputies with the Pasco County Sheriff's Office conducted a room-by-room search of the River Ridge campus and reported finding no weapon, labeling the tip a hoax, according to Spot On Florida. The outlet carried a 10 Tampa Bay video showing deputies on campus as they wrapped up the sweep.
School response and timeline
River Ridge Middle and High Schools briefly activated their active-threat plan while deputies responded, with parents notified and a heavy law enforcement presence remaining on campus throughout the search, as reported by 10 Tampa Bay. Officials said there were no injuries and that the investigation ultimately determined the tip was unfounded.
Why agencies treat tips seriously
The Pasco County Sheriff's Office describes controlled campus checks as a necessary precaution to protect students and staff, even when tips turn out to be bogus. The agency has urged community members to report suspicious activity through its tips portal and noted that it had already issued similar school alerts earlier Thursday that were also found to be unfounded. In its public update, the Pasco Sheriff's Office said these quick checks are designed to catch credible threats without letting any report slide.
