Threat at Madison schools a hoax ‘swatting’ incident

School buildings closed for the day due to threat.
Madison schools on lockdown after threat NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

Madison schools on lockdown after threat NICK GRAHAM/STAFF

Madison school buildings were locked down Friday morning and students were turned away or released after the district received a threat that turned out to be a “swatting” incident, according to the district and the Butler County Sheriff’s Office.

The hoax threat was received about 7:36 a.m. when a district employee received a voicemail from a person with a specific threat falsely identifying himself as a student and threatening to “shoot up the school,” according to the sheriff’s office.

A male seventh-grade student identified in the call was detained, interviewed by detectives and “exonerated,” according to Deputy Chief Anthony Dwyer.

Detectives are continuing to investigate to determine who placed the threatening call and gave the false identification.

“Swatting” is when a hoax phone call is made to report a serious crime that can lead to a large law enforcement respond.

The elementary school day was cancelled. The middle school and high school buses took students home at 10 a.m. and driving students were also released.

In a letter to parents, Superintendent Jeff Staggs said, “Thanks to the diligent work of the Butler County Sheriff’s Office we have been informed that this was indeed a false alarm. As a result we have cleared to resume normal school functions. All evening activities will proceed as scheduled.”

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