Officials say a Colonel Crawford student’s poor choice of words prompted an investigation by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office after making a statement to other students that contained the word “bomb” Thursday morning.

Crawford County Sheriff Scott Kent declined to say what the exact statement was made by the student, but said administrative staff searched the William Crawford Intermediate School and questioned the student. His office took statements from students and teachers.

“They’re going to take this seriously,” Kent said.

There was no evidence of a bomb at the school or materials conducive to making a bomb at the student’s home of which officers had searched. The school day wasn’t interrupted by the investigation, officials said.

The investigation is still ongoing and the student, who was sent home, could face charges for inducing panic, Kent said.

Colonel Crawford Superintendent Todd Martin said he did not think the student meant what he said, but the damage was done.

“In this society, it’s too late,” he said.

He added that no students or staff were in danger.

A staff member overhead the student when he made the statement and alerted administrative staff, Martin said.