September 21, 2022, 2022 Community Update: Pine Grove Middle School
Dear Team BCPS:
We want to provide you with information regarding the serious incident that occurred at Pine Grove Middle School. Today, shortly before noon, it was reported to school administration that there was a suspicious package near school property. School administrators immediately implemented safety procedures. Out of an abundance of caution and in consultation with the Baltimore County Police Department (BCoPD), we evacuated students to Pine Grove Elementary School. Students and staff from Pine Grove Middle School were then transported to Parkville High School for reunification with families. We also transported students and staff from Pine Grove Elementary School to Loch Raven High School due to road closures and traffic congestion. After safely clearing Pine Grove Middle School, the BCoPD Hazardous Device Team neutralized the suspicious package. Thanks to the incredible efforts of the police, emergency responders, and BCPS staff, all students were safely reunited with their families this afternoon.
Baltimore County Police have confirmed they have a person of interest in custody and that the investigation is ongoing. BCoPD does not believe there is an ongoing threat to the Pine Grove Middle School community or any BCPS schools at this time.
Our schools will be open on time tomorrow. We understand how such events can be traumatizing and unsettling for the community and want to assure you that our students and staff will have the support they need to process this incident. Tomorrow, September 21, and for the rest of the week, staff from the BCPS Office of Student Support Services will provide support and resources to students and staff at Pine Grove middle and elementary schools. Additionally, BCoPD will have additional officers stationed at several schools in the community tomorrow.
We want to thank our students, staff and families for their patience, understanding and cooperation as we navigated the challenges of the evacuation, relocation and reunification of families. Our community came together during a difficult time to ensure students were safe. We thank the BCoPD for their partnership and ongoing work to keep our school communities safe.
Baltimore County Public Schools