BY DEBRA PALMIERI

dpalmieri@tnonline.com

South Whitehall Township Police Chief Glen Dorney released the following information regarding the closure of all Parkland schools on Thursday.

According to the news release, the police department was contacted around 8:30 p.m. Sept. 7 regarding a Safe2Say report of a threat directed at Orefield Middle School.

Police began an investigation immediately with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

“Investigators have been working diligently throughout the night to try to identify the suspect in this threat,” the news release stated. “SWTPD has been in constant communication with the Parkland School District and supports the decision to close all district schools on Thursday, Sept. 8 out of an abundance of caution.

“We take all threats seriously and will continue to collaborate with all of our law enforcement partners to solve this investigation.”

The Lehigh County District Attorney’s Office, Pennsylvania State Police, Upper Macungie Township Police Department, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation are assisting with this investigation.

“This investigation in ongoing, and there is a coordinated effort between law enforcement and the Parkland School District to ensure the safety of every student within the district,” the release states. “If the person responsible for this threat is identified, the South Whitehall Township Police intends to prosecute to the fullest extent within the guidelines of the law.

“We ask for your patience, as the release of information will be done deliberately as to not negatively impact the investigation.”

Anyone with information that may aid in the investigation, is asked to contact the South Whitehall Township Police Department at 610-398-0337.