Suspicious Objects Found on The Property of Kerhonkson Elementary School

There has been an update to an earlier story regarding small fired around an Ulster County elementary school.

Kerhonkson Elementary School Released Early Due to Investigation

The Ulster County Sheriff's Office shared in a press release information regarding an unplanned early dismissal for Kerhonkson Elementary School on Monday, January 13th, 2025.

In the statement the Sheriff's Office explained the remnants of several small fires located on the grounds of the Kerhonkson Elementary School in Kerhonkson were being investigated.

READ MORE: Small Fires Set Around Ulster County Elementary School

At the time they wrote that they believed this was an isolated incident that happened over the weekend and there was "no reason to believe there are any further safety concerts to student or staff."

The children were released early as a precaution. However, now it seems there has been an update to the story and the small fires weren't the only suspicious objects found on the premises.

Suspicious Object Discovered on Elementary School Property

While the remnants of small fires were a concern for the staff at Kerhonkson Elementary School, there was also a "suspicious object" found at the school as well.

In an update posted by the Ulster County Sheriff's Office, the school resource officer at Kerhonkson Elementary School was notified of a "suspicious object discovered in the parking lot."

When the resource officer who is also an Ulster County Sheriff's Deputy arrived at the scene, he agreed that the object appeared suspicious and alerted school officials. From there, the area was cordoned off and an explosive detection K9 was called in.

The K9 searched the "property and the school building was conducted with no hazardous findings."

The objects were analyzed and were determined to be the remains of a flashlight "that had been intentionally set on fire." The Ulster County Sherriff's Office adds "In addition to the burnt flashlight, investigators identified and separated other charred debris in the parking lot including a can, cardboard, paper towel, and an article of clothing which had been intentionally set on fire."

Suspicious Objects Left at Ulster County School by Juveniles

According to the statement the incident on the property of Kerhonkson Elementary School happened on "multiple occasions" on the night of Saturday, January 11th, 2025 "between approximately 7:00 pm and 2:30 am."

The report goes on to add that 2 juveniles were "identified, located, and interviewed" and it was determined the 2 were responsible for the fires.

Once again, the Ulster County Sheriff's Office has explained this is an isolated case.

Due to their age, the 2 juveniles will be deferred to the Ulster County Family Court.