Suspected swatting incident in Lyon County schools being probed

DDYVILLE, Ky. (KT) -- A suspected swatting incident that impacted Lyon County schools Friday is being investigated.

A call just after noon resulted in all schools placed promptly on lockdown, and multiple law enforcement and fire responders were deployed. No threat was initially located, and all students were accounted for at each school.

The Lyon County Sheriff's Office reported that an "explosive detection canine from the Kentucky State Police" assisted. "In order to safely conduct additional searches of the school, all students and staff were removed and transported to a secure, off-campus site, to be reunited with their families," said the report from Sheriff Brent White.

The search by authorities concluded around 4 p.m., and by approximately 5 p.m. all students were successfully reunited with their families.

"We do not know the identity of the caller at this time," White added. "We believe this could be a swatting incident which is similar to others occurring across our nation. While swatting seems like such a generic legal term, it is essentially terror which someone or some entity desires to invoke. Unfortunately, it worked for some today, and for those who refused to let it consume them and stepped up to help, we thank you."

He added a personal reflection: "As a parent, I realize it can be frustrating not knowing what is happening or waiting in a long line to be reunited with your child, but please consider this ... there are many people across this country and some right down the road from us who would gladly trade places with you tonight because you will have your child under your roof safe and sound. Thank you for your patience, cooperation and understanding."

In the course of the investigation, authorities determined a 15-year-old juvenile "made one alarming statement and one threatening statement to fellow students during the lockdown period following Friday's incident," according to the Sheriff's Office. "Juveniles who overheard these statements reported it to their family members on Sunday evening, resulting in calls to school administrators and the Sheriff's Office."

On Monday morning, the male juvenile was taken into custody and charged with terroristic threatening, second degree. He was lodged in the McCracken Regional Juvenile Detention Center in Paducah.

"It is unknown at this time if these incidents are related to the threat received on Friday; however, the Kentucky State Police and the Lyon County Sheriff's Office are continuing to investigate," according to a news release.