Wayne County school threat ‘unfounded,’ police say

WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – A “vague” threat put some Wayne County schools on alert Monday morning.

According to the Richmond Police Department, someone placed an anonymous call at 8:27 a.m. claiming he’d taken his wife hostage and was headed to a local school with a bomb.

Police said the caller provided vague information that mentioned Northeastern Wayne School Corporation and Richmond Community Schools. All local schools were placed on “secure school status” as police investigated.

Police checked “all associated residences, schools and potential victims” as a precaution. They determined information from the call was unfounded and uncovered “no credible threat.”

“This type of behavior is not only reckless but dangerous, creating unnecessary fear and disruption within our community,” said Richmond Police Chief Kyle Weatherly in a statement. “We will not tolerate such actions, and the Richmond Police Department will conduct a full investigation. When the responsible parties are identified, they will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”

Richmond Community Schools said Starr Elementary went on lockdown as a precaution while others schools went on “secure status.” Shortly after 10 a.m., the district said security concerns abated and students/staff proceeded as normal with the school day.

Police said the investigation into the matter is ongoing. They reiterated there was no active threat to the community.

Anyone with information should call 765-983-7247 or send an email to RPDCRIMETIP@richmondindiana.gov.

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