Start of day delayed for Bluffdale school after reported bomb threat

BLUFFDALE — Classes were delayed Tuesday for a charter school in Bluffdale after police say someone called in a bomb threat before students arrived.

Sgt. Gianfelice with the Saratoga Springs Police Department said a minor called in the threat to North Star Academy at approximately 7:30 a.m.

“School was not in session yet, but they evacuated around six staff members,” Gianfelice said. “The school was able to send closure message in time for parents before students came.”

Police said they determined the threat was a hoax after finding nothing suspicious at the school. The building was cleared at approximately 10 a.m., Gianfelice said.

In a statement posted on the school’s website, North Star Academy said students could return to class at about 11 a.m., and that school would end at the normal time. It also said the school would understand if parents decided to keep their kids home for the day.

“The safety and security of your child is our top priority. We are actively responding to the situation and collaborating with emergency responders,” the school said.

Gianfelice said the bomb threat drew the response of bomb squads from the Unified Fire Authority and the Salt Lake City Police Department, as well as bomb sniffing dogs from the Utah Transit Authority, Park City police and Utah Highway Patrol. The Bluffdale Fire Department also responded.

Police did not give any further information on who called in the bomb threat, or if that person was in custody.

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