BRATTLEBORO, Vt. -
A threat aimed at children kept about half the students in the Brattleboro area home from school today. Parents got a call Sunday night.
The threat was made 25 days ago. The man was held in a mental health hospital, but because he technically hasn't committed a crime, he was released Friday, leaving schools, and parents on high alert.
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For preschooler, Olivia Delpriore and about half of her school district, Monday was a snow day. I found her and her brother sledding nearby.
But the real reason behind the day off was because police say a man told them he wanted to harm children. There was no specific threat toward any school, just children in general, which is very unsettling.
"I guess the immediate reaction is it's just not worth going to school for the day," Derek Delpriore said.
Police say they know who made the threat, he was held in a mental health hospital for 25 days, but was evaluated and released Friday, they say because he technically hasn't committed a crime.
"Yes of course, there's a little bit of fear, but it's more anger that plays out because you're like, how could that happen?" Delpriore said.
To be safe, all ten schools in the district were on high alert. Police were on campus, and a security guard double checked the doors.
"All we can do is ensure them that we're doing everything we can to keep their children safe," Superintendent Ron Stahley said.
Because the entrance to the school is locked, you have to push a buzzer and explain why you're there, staff say that's the protocol every day.
"We'll just let time play out and see what happens, she's safer here and I don't want to have to see her with a bunch of police officers at the school too," Delpriore added.
We know for sure police will be at the school Tuesday, and maybe even through the end of the week.
In addition to fear, we did hear frustration from some parents about being notified too late and about the threat being too vague.
Because of a problem with the system, some parents didn't get the automated call until nine on Sunday night.
