Sparta High back in session; no bomb

Sparta High School returned to classes around 10:40 a.m. Friday after a bomb threat was called in before 7 a.m, triggering a school lockdown and a police response.

Late Friday afternoon, Sparta police confirmed they have a specific suspect in the case, and expect to issue a warrant early next week.

Assistant Superintendent Mark Kasmer told 24 Hour News 8 some students were already at the school at the time the threat was made, and they were removed from the building. The arriving students were sent to safe zones, such as the middle school.

Sparta Police asked for assistance from the Michigan State Police and their bomb-sniffing dog. Authorities searched the building and gave the all-clear nearly four hours after the threat.

Students returned to classes at that time.

School officials plan to send a note home to parents with the students at the end of the day.

24 Hour News 8 will continue to follow this story.