*This article has been updated to reflect the most recent information provided by BOCES
(WNY News Now) – Ashville, N.Y. – BOCES authorities, alongside law enforcement, are ensuring heightened security across educational sites after a potential threat surfaced late last night.
Mike Rukavina, the Director of Communications and Developement for Erie 2 Chautauqua – Cattaraugus BOCES has released the following statement in response to the possible threat:
Late last night, we were made aware of a possible threat directed at a BOCES via social media. This threat did not specify the BOCES or location and was brought to our attention by a student enrolled in one of our programs at the Hewes Educational Center in Ashville.
Upon receiving this information, we immediately notified our School Resource Officer through the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office and began an investigation into the credibility of the threat.
Through our collaborative investigation with law enforcement, we have learned that an identical threat via social media has been circulated throughout a number of BOCES across New York state.
Out of an abundance of caution, we made the NYS Troopers, Erie County Sheriff’s Office, Orchard Park, East Aurora, and Evans police departments aware of the situation as they monitor our other sites and centers throughout WNY.
While we’ll continue to maintain a heightened level of safety, care, and vigilance, given the widespread nature of this across multiple BOCES, we are even more confident that the threat is not credible.
Mike Rukavina
Director of Communications and Developement
Erie 2 Chautauqua – Cattaraugus BOCES
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