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Sheriff: Augusta County church, preschool evacuated safely after bomb threat

Crystal Graham
old providence church ACSO spottswood
Photo courtesy Augusta County Sheriff’s Office

Updated: 5:27 p.m.

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police were at Old Providence Church for several hours. Both agencies physically searched the premises and and a bomb detection K-9 search the premises. Nothing was found.

This threat was received digitally and was sent to multiple destinations, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

 

Original post, 12:47 p.m.

A church in the Southern portion of Augusta County received a bomb threat at 9:20 this morning prompting the facility to be evacuated.

The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the treat at Old Providence Church located at 1005 Spottswood Road in Spottswood.

According to the ACSO, all persons were transported to an alternative safe location while first responders checked for explosive devices. According to the church website, a three-year-old preschool class meets on Thursdays at the church. The maximum class size is 10. The classroom is located on the main level of Providence Hall, the educational and fellowship building of the church.

All children and staff are safe at this time.

The Virginia State Police has been contacted by the ACSO for assistance for an explosive detection K-9.

Crystal Graham

Crystal Graham

Crystal Abbe Graham is the regional editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1999 graduate of Virginia Tech, she has worked for nearly 25 years as a reporter and editor for several Virginia publications, written a book, and garnered more than a dozen Virginia Press Association awards for writing and graphic design. She was the co-host of "Viewpoints," a weekly TV news show, and co-host of Virginia Tonight, a nightly TV news show. Her work on "Virginia Tonight" earned her a national Telly award for excellence in television.