What started with a phone call to Purcell High School about an explosive device inside the school triggered a massive first responder response and a mass evacuation of both the high school and junior high school buildings.

The call came in at 12:47 p.m. last Friday to the school’s front desk and the emergency plan for such an instance was instantly placed in motion. The caller also called the Superintendent’s offices.

After contacting Purcell Police the school immediately began scrambling CDL qualified drivers to evacuate the 750 students and about 75 staff members from the two buildings.

Six buses and one mini bus transported loads of students, faculty and staff,  to the safety of the school’s administration building so family members could pick them up.

Superintendent Dr. Sheli McAdoo said the school received the “all clear” about 3:30 p.m. At that time students and faculty members could retrieve their vehicles that were left in the parking lot.

The call came in from an anonymous phone number with Purcell Police quickly contacting the Oklahoma Highway Patrol to utilize the OHP’s bomb squad unit to sweep the facility.

Purcell Police and the McClain County Sheriff’s Department had already begun an initial investigation and instructed school personnel to evacuate the building. Areas they secluded included the band room and the gymnasium.

Law enforcement units including the police, sheriff’s department and OHP units secured entrances to parking areas. Officers also secured the front entrance to both buildings.

Also answering the call were the Purcell Fire Department, Wadley’s EMS and the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation.

Nine Purcell Police Officers, five Sheriff Deputies and six firefighters answered the call.

After the threat was cleared, McAdoo released the following statement:

“In light of the hoax bomb threat and subsequent evacuation at our junior high and high school this past Friday, I want to speak directly about the incredible response we witnessed from our staff and local partners.

“When the threat was reported, our teachers and staff were asked to pivot in an instant from educators to protectors. Their calm under pressure and strict adherence to our evacuation protocols made all the difference. Because they stayed focused and moved quickly, we successfully moved hundreds of students to safety without incident. I am incredibly proud to work alongside such a dedicated team,” McAdoo said.

“We also owe a debt of gratitude to the Purcell Police Department. Their officers arrived on the scene immediately, taking control of the situation with total professionalism. Having their expertise on-site provided much-needed security and peace of mind for our students and staff during a very tense afternoon. We are beyond grateful for their continued partnership and for everything they do to keep our schools safe.

“While Friday was a difficult day, it served as a testament to the strength and readiness of our community. We are constantly reviewing our safety measures and will continue to work closely with local law enforcement to ensure our campuses remain secure environments for our children,” she said.

“Thank you for your continued support of Purcell Schools,” McAdoo concluded.

Terrorism hoax is a felony, punishable by fines and imprisonment.