Haverling increases security measures
By MARY PERHAM THE LEADER

BATH Safety precautions are being taken today at the Bath school campus following rumors of a planned incident to mark the one-year anniversary of the accidental death of a student.

However, a police investigation has found the rumors to be "totally unfounded," said Bath Village Police Chief David Rouse.

As a precaution, school officials sent letters home with students Wednesday, advising parents of the investigation and assuring them "our number one priority is the safety of your child."

The letter said general security procedures include locked exterior doors, security cameras and the school resource officer, Officer J.D. Hawley.

However, the school faculty has been told to exercise extra vigilance, and there will be a larger and visible police presence at the school today, Rouse said.

Rouse said he was notified earlier this week of a rumor about some kind of retaliation for the accidental death of Michael Buffa, 15. He did not give specifics as to what the rumors implied.

Buffa, a freshman at the school, died early Dec. 8, 2006 at Ira Davenport Memorial Hospital after what police said was an accidental drug overdose.

Since then, rumors of "incidents" have surfaced twice, once in October and at the beginning of this week, Rouse said.

Rouse said police investigators identified a potential target, who attends Haverling High School, and two suspects who do not go to school.

"They interviewed the individuals and found absolutely no cause for alarm," Rouse said. "In fact, the three were all together at a dance as recently as Friday and by all reports got along fine."

Rouse declined to identify the individuals or any possible motive.

The rumor has created anxiety among students and their parents, the police chief said.

"Parents want particulars. Well, there are no particulars," Rouse said. "There's no one doing anything to be particular about."

Rouse warned that high absenteeism today is groundless and could fuel more rumors and disruption in the future.

"My son is going to school today, and I sure don't want anything to happen to him," Rouse said.

Police are also tracking the source of the rumors, and parents and students are asked to assist in that investigation, he said.

"And criminal charges could be filed, and if we can't file criminal charges, the matter will be turned over to the school authorities for any disciplinary action," Rouse said.