News: Leesburg Police Say Potential Dangerous Schools Situation Averted by a Student Doing the Right Thing

(March 1, 2012) - Leesburg Police are saying today that the quick and courageous thinking of a Simpson Middle School student this week may have averted a possibly dangerous situation at one of the local schools involving an act of violence.

Here is the Leesburg Police Department report:

On Tuesday evening February 27, 2012, the parent of a Simpson Middle School student contacted the Leesburg Police Department to advise of a suspicious situation. The child of the parent expressed concern to his parent and subsequently the police department that another Simpson student may be considering an act of violence. Police officers began an immediate investigation and coordinated with school officials. During the course of the investigation, it was determined that the student in question was in need of psychiatric services and with the cooperation of his parents, he was brought in for psychiatric evaluation. Leesburg Police are continuing the investigation in coordination with Loudoun County School officials and the Commonwealth Attorney’s office.

This case shows the importance of students doing the right thing. Chief Price praised the young man’s courage in bringing this information forward saying that “his courage and desire to do the right thing possibly averted a possibly dangerous situation at one of our schools.” Price also credited the strong working relationship between the Leesburg Police Department and the Loudoun County School system as a major factor in achieving a quick resolution in this case.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to call the Leesburg Police at 703-771-4500. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the Leesburg Crime Line at 703-443-TIPS (8477).