On Tuesday, Oct. 5 at about 11:07 a.m., Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office responded to Lincoln Academy in Newcastle after receiving a report of a potential threat of violence written on a wall. 

Deputies and detectives working collaboratively with Lincoln Academy representatives processed the scene for both forensic and digital evidence while evaluating the threat to determine its risk. 

The risk was determined to be low after a review of the known facts by a Threat Assessment Team that is made up of Lincoln Academy and Sheriff’s Office staff.

Deputies remained at the school for several hours while both investigating the incident and providing enhanced security on campus. Although no immediate threat was found, the investigation continues, as the nature of this threat would be considered a crime.

Due to the enhanced response from the Sheriff’s Office and the determination that the threat risk was low, normal activities at the school were allowed to continue.

The Sheriff’s Office values its relationship with Lincoln Academy’s administration, staff and students. Because of this well-established relationship, we were able to begin our investigation immediately, and quickly determine the likely risk, which then allowed both students and staff to continue their learning uninterrupted in a safe environment. 

Anyone with information about this event is urged to call the Sheriff’s Office (882-7332) or report it anonymously by texting the keyword LTIP along with your tip to 847411.