STORM LAKE, Iowa (KCAU) — UPDATE (2:19 p.m.): More information has been released on the lockdown at Storm Lake Elementary.
According to Storm Lake Public Safety, the Buena Vista County Communications Center received two calls toward the end of the 7 a.m. hour about a shooting and requested police come to Storm Lake Elementary.
The Storm Lake Police Department and Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office both responded to the call and the school was placed on lockdown, the release said.
After investigating the scene, officials determined that there was no credible threat and discovered that the call was made by an 11-year-old student from Storm Lake Middle School.
The 11-year-old was taken into custody and taken to the police department for further investigation. Officers filed juvenile referrals for third-degree harassment, a simple misdemeanor; false reports to a public entity, a serious misdemeanor; and willful disturbance, a serious misdemeanor.
Two additional 11-year-olds were charged with third-degree aiding and abetting harassment, a simple misdemeanor; aiding and abetting false reports to a public entity, a serious misdemeanor; and aiding and abetting willful disturbance, a serious misdemeanor.
The trio was taken to the Cherokee YES Center for placement, the release said.
Police said that they’re still investigating the incident and more charges may be filed.
———-
Three juvenile suspects have been arrested Wednesday morning following threats that led Storm Lake Elementary School to enter a lockdown.
According to the Storm Lake Community School District, they were notified of a reported threat early Wednesday morning which led to the elementary school building being placed into a lockdown. The Storm Lake Police Department said that the call came in at around 7:54 a.m.
Officers made a sweep of the building and the school continued their activities as normal during the lockdown, the school said. Officers said that they offered students escorts into the school since the call came in during school drop-off time.
In an update posted later in the morning, the school confirmed that there were suspects taken into custody by the Storm Lake Police Department. The Storm Lake Police Department said three juveniles were taken into custody.
Since then, the buildings have been cleared and the police department said that they do not believe there to be an active threat to safety at the school.
“We understand that this incident may have caused fear, concern, and worry, and we want to assure you that the safety and well-being of your children is our top priority. To further ensure their security, there will be an increased police presence at all schools today.
The Storm Lake Police Department
We appreciate your patience, cooperation, and understanding during this challenging situation. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.”
The school district said that the lockdown has been lifted and that classes will resume as normal.
The school district asks that if anyone sees or hears anything that could be a potential threat to the safety of the school to please speak up.
The Storm Lake Police Department and Buena Vista County Sheriff’s Office responded to the incident.
