Please see the attached joint statement from Sheriff Smith and Dr. Bond:
Earlier today, a message circulated on social media and Spot a Cop, falsely claiming that an individual named Zachary Cruz was found on Wilson Middle School premises and that a violent act was planned for February 14, 2025. This information is entirely false and misleading. Mr. Cruz was arrested for trespassing and has not been back on school property since his release. The claim made in the post that “police are not taking this as seriously as it needs to be until something bad really happens,” is absolutely not true. Since the initial incident occurred, the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, and Woodrow Wilson Police Department have been in constant communication and numerous adjustments have been made to keep our schools safe and secure from threats.
Sheriff Donald Smith states: "It is deeply concerning that such misinformation is being spread, causing fear and panic among students, parents, and faculty. The Augusta County Sheriff's Office is fully aware of Zachary Cruz’s status, and the accurate facts have already been communicated to our community. Our department, along with state and local law enforcement, remains committed to ensuring the safety of all schools in Augusta County. We strongly urge the public to refrain from sharing unverified information that can cause unnecessary panic." To further reassure parents and the community, Augusta County Schools will have an increased law enforcement presence at all Wilson-area schools on February 14, 2025.
Augusta County School Superintendent Eric Bond also addressed the situation, stating: "We recognize the concerns that have surfaced regarding school safety. The safety and wellbeing of our students, staff, and community are our highest priorities. I want to assure you that school administrators, Sheriff Smith, and his department are in constant communication regarding security measures. We have heightened security at all schools, and we encourage everyone to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement immediately." We ask the public to trust official sources for updates and avoid spreading unverified claims that create unnecessary fear and disruption. Any individual found to be intentionally spreading false information that causes panic may be subject to legal consequences.
For accurate and timely information, please refer to the Augusta County Sheriff's Office official website and social media pages. Anyone with concerns or information regarding school safety should contact the Sheriff’s Office directly at 540-245-5333. The Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police will have a large presence within the Wilson Complex tomorrow. Deputies will also be at all Augusta County Public Schools.