Gastonia, February 13, 2026
Hunter Huss High School in Gastonia was disrupted by a prank bomb threat on February 12, leading to a swift emergency response from law enforcement. Authorities determined the threat was non-credible after investigating the suspicious package found nearby. A student has been identified as the perpetrator, and charges are pending review by the Department of Juvenile Justice. The incident did not compromise the safety of students and staff, allowing school operations to continue normally.
Gastonia
Prank Bomb Threat Prompts Emergency Response at Hunter Huss High School
Gastonia, N.C. – Hunter Huss High School experienced a significant disruption on Thursday, February 12, 2026, when a bomb threat was discovered on a bathroom wall, prompting a swift response from local law enforcement and the bomb squad. Authorities quickly determined the threat to be a prank, and a student believed to be responsible has been identified, with charges pending review by the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Immediate Response and Investigation
The alarm was raised around 9 a.m. after a message indicating a bomb threat was found written on a bathroom wall. Concurrently, a suspicious plastic box was located in the immediate vicinity within the bathroom. The message suggested the package would “go off” at 4:45 p.m.. Gaston County Police Department and the Gaston County bomb squad were immediately dispatched to the school to assess the situation and ensure the safety of students and staff.
Threat Deemed Non-Credible
Through a rapid investigation, including the review of surveillance video, authorities quickly identified the student responsible for placing the box and writing the message. The student subsequently confessed that the incident was intended as a prank. The suspicious package, described as a plastic box containing a pencil case, a half bar of soap, a calculator, and the face of a watch attached to its top, was scanned by bomb squad agents. They quickly determined that it was not explosive and posed no actual danger.
School Operations and Pending Charges
Despite the initial concern, the situation was resolved swiftly, and school officials confirmed that the safety of students and staff was never compromised. Hunter Huss High School was able to continue its normal operations following the incident. Principal Kelsey Elms communicated directly with parents to inform them about the events, reassuring them that the school was operating as usual. Law enforcement is collaborating with Gaston County Schools to address this incident. Charges are currently pending review by the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Charlotte
Civilian Crash Investigation Unit Continues to Boost Charlotte’s Public Safety and Officer Efficiency
Charlotte, N.C. – The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s (CMPD) Civilian Crash Investigation (CCI) Unit continues to demonstrate significant success in enhancing public safety and operational efficiency across the Charlotte area. Since its launch, the program has played a crucial role in improving the handling of minor traffic incidents, thereby allowing sworn officers to prioritize higher-priority calls and serious criminal investigations.
Program Effectiveness and Impact
Established in December 2024, the CCI Unit was initiated following a change in North Carolina state law, House Bill 140 (2023), which permitted civilian investigators to respond to minor crashes without injuries. This State-level legislative change has enabled Charlotte, along with other North Carolina cities such as Wilmington, Greensboro, and Burlington, to implement similar programs. The unit, consisting of 15 trained civilian employees, has made a substantial impact since its inception. In 2025 alone, CCI investigators responded to over 8,500 calls, completing thousands of crash reports and managing approximately 38% of all crash calls for service citywide.
The program’s effectiveness is further highlighted by the considerable time savings for sworn officers, with over 6,000 officer hours saved in 2025. These saved hours mean that uniformed officers are increasingly available to focus on critical incidents, violent crimes, and more complex criminal investigations, leading to faster overall police response throughout the city. Civilian investigators are equipped to manage crash scenes, gather essential information, complete official reports, and assist drivers, ensuring that incidents are cleared quickly and safely.
Investment and Future Expansion
The Charlotte City Council supported this forward-thinking initiative with an appropriation of $1.271 million specifically for the purchase of vehicles for the program. Looking ahead, the CMPD has ambitious plans to further expand the CCI Unit. The department aims to nearly double the number of civilian crash investigators and eventually station them at every police division. This expansion is expected to further improve response times, reduce congestion after crashes, and keep officers focused on the city’s most critical calls.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happened at Hunter Huss High School on Thursday?
A: A bomb threat was discovered at Hunter Huss High School in Gastonia, N.C., on Thursday, February 12, 2026, which was later determined to be a prank.
Q: Was anyone harmed during the Hunter Huss High School incident?
A: No, the situation was resolved quickly, and the safety of students and staff was never compromised.
Q: Has the person responsible for the bomb threat at Hunter Huss High School been identified?
A: Yes, a student believed to be responsible for the prank bomb threat has been identified, and charges are pending review by the Department of Juvenile Justice.
Q: What is the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department’s Civilian Crash Investigation Unit?
A: It is a unit comprised of trained civilian employees who respond to minor motor vehicle crashes that do not involve injuries, freeing up sworn officers for higher-priority calls.
Q: When was Charlotte’s Civilian Crash Investigation Unit launched?
A: The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department officially launched its Civilian Crash Investigation Program in December 2024.
Q: How has the Civilian Crash Investigation Unit impacted Charlotte’s police operations?
A: In 2025, the unit responded to over 8,500 calls, handling 38% of all crash calls citywide, and saved over 6,000 officer hours, allowing sworn officers to focus on more serious incidents.
Key Features of Charlotte’s Civilian Crash Investigation Unit
| Feature | Description | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Launch Date | December 2024 | Local |
| Legal Basis | North Carolina State Law (House Bill 140, 2023) permits civilian investigators for minor crashes | State-level |
| Unit Composition | 15 trained civilian employees | Local |
| Calls Handled (2025) | Over 8,500 calls; 38% of all crash calls citywide | Local |
| Officer Hours Saved (2025) | Over 6,000 hours | Local |
| Primary Goal | Free up sworn officers for high-priority cases and enhance public safety | Local |
| Initial Investment | $1.271 million for vehicle purchases | Local |
| Future Plans | Aim to nearly double investigators and station them at every police division | Local |
| Similar Programs | Implemented in other North Carolina cities like Wilmington, Greensboro, and Burlington | State-level |
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Author: HERE Charlotte
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