ISP attributes Peru Jr/Sr High School threat to swatting

The Indiana State Police Peru District has provided an update regarding the investigation on the reported bomb threat at Peru Jr./Sr. High School last week. 

A press release given on Thursday by Peru Community Schools Superintendent Trent McCormick stated the Miami 911 Dispatch Center had received a report of a bomb threat to Peru Jr/Sr High School at 9 a.m. on Jan. 15. During this time, Peru Community Schools promptly executed their emergency prepardness plan to ensure staff and student safety. 

Within minutes Indiana State Police, Peru Police, PCS Police, Miami County Sheriff’s Department, Bunker Hill Police, Miami County EMA and Peru Fire Department arrived on scene for an organized evacuation. A perimeter was established around the school as personnel waited for the arrival of bomb sniffing dogs from Indiana State Police. 

After being evacuated, students from Peru Jr/Sr High School were released from their secure location to their parents and the school was closed for the remainder of the day. All other buildings at Peru Community School district were placed on yellow lockdown as a precautionary. All extra-curricular activities were cancelled for the day as well. School officials have communicated with families about the students retrieving their items left behind in the school. 

After a thorough search of the school no threats or hazardous devices were located. An investigation determined the incident was the result of a swatting call and officials discovered information linking those responsible to similar incidents in multiple locations across the country. Swatting is a serious and dangerous crime where false information that typically involve claims of bombs, weapons, or active threats are intentionally reported to law enforcement to prompt an emergency response.

The Indiana State Police will continue to work in coordination with federal law enforcement partners to ensure a complete and thorough investigation. The incident remains under investigation and anyone with information about the threat should contact Indiana State Police Detective Josh Maller at 765-473-6666.