A 14-year-old student at Centra's Rivermont School in Lynchburg is in custody for bringing a bomb to school this Thursday morning.

Lynchburg and Virginia State Police responded to the bomb threat along with fire and safety officials. The State Police bomb squad used a "robot" to search for the bomb, which was safely disrupted in a secure area.

Police are not releasing the name of the student, but said that charges would be filed. Police described the bomb as about a foot tall and chemical in nature, but would not elaborate on its make-up. Police would not say how the student brought the bomb into the school. An administrator contacted police.

Had it deployed, it would have hurt the people near it, but not destroyed the school's building, Police Captain Ryan Zuidema said. 56 students attend the Rivermont School along with 21 faculty members. 

After receiving the bomb threat, police immediately evacuated the school on Forest Hills Circle. A bus was used to transport the students to a safe location where they were taken home by a parent or guardian.

Several businesses and residences on Forest Hills Circle were also evacuated and barricades were set up at both ends of Forest Hills Circle.

The school and businesses will remain closed as officials continue their investigation.

The businesses evacuated on Forest Hills Circle include the Carilion Clinic Children's Hospital, Lynchburg Chiropractic Center, the Mia Bella Hair and Nail Salon, Trade M.A.R.K. Salon, and the Divine Destiny Salon.

All Photos: Steve Cross