False threats reported at multiple Eastern Iowa schools

Threats later determined to be hoaxes were reported at Marion High School and other Iowa schools Wednesday, the same day that Iowa House lawmakers advanced a bill making it a felony to make a false report of a serious crime to law enforcement.

A new release from the Iowa Department of Public Safety said the threats were received by 13 school districts in Iowa Wednesday afternoon.

According to Marion police, the department received a notification at 2:13 p.m. of a possible threat at Marion High School. The school was placed on a lockout status while a school resource officer and other officers investigated.

“Within a few minutes, it was determined that this was believed to be a hoax and the lockout was lifted (which allowed the school to return to its regularly scheduled activities). As such, additional police patrols and uniformed officer presence will continue at our area schools for the time being,” a news release states.

Several other school districts across the state also experienced similar calls Wednesday, according to the Marion news release.

Police in West Branch received a call at 2:16 p.m. Wednesday reporting a threat at West Branch High School, according to Sgt. Cathy Steen, the acting police chief.

West Branch High School and West Branch Middle School, which is adjacent to the high school, were both placed on lockdown while law enforcement officials from several nearby agencies investigated the threat.

“The FBI has been notified and are taking an active investigation in the swatting threats,” Steen said.

Cascade Junior/Senior High School in Cascade had a similar call Wednesday, said a statement from Western Dubuque School District Superintendent Dan Butler. The call was anonymous and indicated there was a potential threat at the high school. Law enforcement officials determined it was a swatting call — that is, individuals making a false report of a serious crime with the goal of drawing out a large law enforcement response and creating chaos.

The school adhered to safety protocols while the report was investigated, and the law enforcement officials were on-site during dismissal time at the school, as well as at Cascade Elementary, the statement said.

“The school staff members extend sincere appreciation for the patience and understanding demonstrated by students, parents, and the community throughout this situation,” Butler said in the statement.

No swatting calls were reported in Cedar Rapids or Iowa City Wednesday, according to officials from both cities’ police departments.

Earlier in the day, an Iowa House subcommittee advanced House Study Bill 545, which would make knowingly reporting to law enforcement officials false information about certain serious crimes a Class D felony, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine up to $10,245. If the false report results in another person’s serious injury or death, the penalty increases to a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine up to $13,660.

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