By By William F. West / community editor
October 19, 2002
A 61-year-old Meridian man was freed Friday on $10,000 bond after being arrested in connection with a bomb threat to Harris Upper Elementary School.
Richard Wayne Smith, 4512 28th St., is charged with false reporting of explosives. Police say Smith allegedly phoned the school at about 2 p.m. Thursday and said it was going to blow up.
Police Detective Denise McMullen said that the call was traced to the Texaco convenience store at 45th Avenue and 20th Street and that officers found Smith at the store.
McMullen declined to disclose details of the police investigation or why they suspect Smith, other than to say their case is supported by eyewitnesses who were at the store.
Harris Upper Elementary, 3951 12th St., has 227 fourth- and fifth-grade students.
Janet McLin, Meridian schools superintendent, said Harris Upper Elementary was evacuated. Nearby West End Elementary School also was evacuated.
The Meridian Police Department searched for explosives, McLin said, but found none. McLin said the bomb threat was the first one made to Harris Upper Elementary.
McLin said West End had a bomb threat in April 2001, but no one was charged. Kate Griffin Junior High School and Meridian High School also have been targets of bomb threats.
Earlier this month, the MPD arrested 18-year-old Reginald V. Walker II for phoning in two bomb threats to Meridian High.
Anyone convicted of making bomb threats could face up to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Bomb threats are a felony charge in Mississippi.
On Friday, police and school officials said they will treat people who make bomb threats the same way regardless of age.
Police Chief Benny DuBose said he would lock up those who are caught phoning in bomb threats to schools. "We take it seriously and we're going to lock them up and continue to," he said.
McLin called for a firm hand in dispensing justice.