‘Bogus’ Robbery Call Leads to Seneca Valley Restrictions

Seneca Valley is operating under normal conditions after the district temporarily placed students at the secondary campus in Jackson Township on “restricted movement” Tuesday during what turned out to be a false robbery call in nearby Harmony Borough.

Zelienople Police Chief Jim Miller said a miscommunication between the alarm company for Jadco Incorporated on Evergreen Mill Road in Harmony and an ex-client led to 9-1-1 being called for a robbery in progress.

The call also indicated there was a hostage situation.

Police from Zelienople, Jackson Township, Cranberry and Lancaster all responded to scene around 1:20 p.m., said Jackson Police Chief Terry Seilhamer.

After determining nothing was amiss, the restrictions were lifted from Seneca Valley.

“It was a bogus call,” Seilhamer said.

Seneca Valley spokeswoman Linda Andreassi said the restriction at the secondary campus lasted about 10 to 15 minutes.

As opposed to a total lockdown, a “restricted movement” means all students outside the building were moved indoors, Andreassi said. 

However, students were still allowed to move freely inside the buildings. Classes also continued as usual.

Seilhamer said Seneca Valley was notified of the situation as a precautionary measure because of its proximity to Evergreen Mill Road.

Miller said police are still investigating what led to the 9-1-1 call.