ST. GEORGE — Multiple law enforcement agencies are reportedly investigating hoax threat calls that reported active shooter situations at various locations around the state and in other parts of the country.
“We have received a phone message reporting an active shooter at a local high school,” states a Facebook post made by Richfield City Police Department in Richfield, Utah.
“Officers responded and found no evidence of any shooter or other violent activity taking place,” the statement added. “Investigations are taking place across the state and country as other states are receiving similar reports.”
Such incidents prompted school lockdowns at both Garfield County School District and Grand County School District, according to their respective social media accounts.
However, in Washington County School District, no lockdowns were initiated, even though one such call was received.
“We did receive a hoax call and it was fairly clear that it was a hoax call, so no schools were placed on lockdown,” district communications director Steven Dunham told St. George News via text message. “But the police department did come and check out the building just as an added security measure.”
According to Utah state code section 76-9-105, a person who makes a false report regarding a catastrophe may be charged with either a third-degree felony or a class B misdemeanor, in addition to possibly being liable for damages, including the cost of the response.
Meanwhile, in Iron County School District, no such calls were received today, according to district communications coordinator Shauna Lund.
In a social media post, Utah Highway Patrol said such calls have been received in “various schools throughout the state.”
“These calls are taken very seriously and are immediately looked into by law enforcement agencies,” the agency’s post reads. “We ask the public to please stay calm as our local law enforcement partners have not verified the validity of these accusations and we are currently looking into the origin of these calls.”
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