Crime & PoliceEducationNewsOutdoors

Charles City Officials to Review Swatting Response

It was a week ago Tuesday (03.21) that Charles City middle and high schools were targeted by “swatting” calls.

A “swatting call” refers to a false claim intended to trigger an immediate and widespread law enforcement deployment or emergency service response to a specific location. 

The Iowa Department of Public Safety says Charles City was one of over 30 schools and communities to receive the false threats that referenced an alleged active shooter scenario. 

Charles City School Superintendent Dr. Anne Lundquist says attempts to be prepared for such situations included the formation of their Crisis Response and Life Safety Committee at the start of the school year last August.

Lundquist said leaders were scheduled to meet Tuesday (03.28) to review their response.

Schools in Decorah, Mason City and Clear Lake as well as Cerro Gordo County, plus Waterloo and Monona in northeast Iowa were also targeted with the “swatting” calls on Tuesday, March 21.

Iowa DPS is working with the FBI to investigate and identify the caller. DPS Commissioner Stephan K. Bayens said the initial information led investigators to believe the calls are similar in nature and likely originated from a single source. 

Mark Pitz

News Director/Weekdays 10am to 2pm on 95.9 KCHA
ADVERTISEMENT
Back to top button