Police say Tennessee boy phoned in threat that closed New Hope-Solebury schools Friday

A telephone threat that closed New Hope-Solebury schools was the work of a juvenile male from the state of Tennessee, police said Friday.

An investigation by Solebury Township and New Hope Borough police revealed the threat to be an “ill-advised prank” that “at no time posed a direct threat to the school district,” they said.

“The appropriate authorities in Tennessee have been advised, and we will work with them to determine the appropriate outcome,” police said Friday.

New Hope Borough and Solebury Township police had received information Thursday at 6:45 p.m. from a student of New Hope -Solebury School District involving a “possible threat towards the school.” Police learned that a phone call was received by a student indicating “a threat of violence towards the school and students” from an unknown male who advised “that your school is going to get shot up tomorrow.”

Police notified New Hope Solebury School District, and it was determined by the district that all schools would close on Dec. 21.

During the course of the initial investigation, police had determined that the threat was not considered credible, but “in an abundance of caution” took action.

This matter was investigated by members of Solebury Township Police, New Hope Borough Police, F.B.I Fort Washington, Pa. Field Office, and F.B.I Nashville, Tenn. Field Office.