Threat Call to School was Found to be a Hoax by Deputies at the Scene
Spokane Valley and School Resource Deputies responded to Central Valley High School this morning regarding a threat call. The Central Valley High School Administration was notified immediately, and they placed the school in lockdown. The Central Valley High School Resource Deputy and Spokane Valley Deputies arrived to assist and quickly began to assess the situation but learned students and staff had not observed or heard anything unusual. This call was determined to be a hoax, and at no time were the students or staff at the school in danger.
We are thankful for our partnership with the Central Valley School District and all the other school districts we work closely with to ensure the safety of all students and staff. These partnerships allow a fully commissioned Deputy from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office or Spokane Valley Police Department to be assigned to the high schools full-time. This allows for a close working relationship between school staff/administrators, students, and law enforcement, which creates a strong sense of community and increases safety.
On May 10, 2023, at approximately 9:50 am, Spokane Valley Deputies and the Central Valley High School Resource Deputy were notified of a threat call to the school. The caller reported he was armed at the school and threatened to start shooting.
The Central Valley High School Resource Deputy, who was already at the school, immediately notified school administrators, and the school was placed on lockdown. This information was broadcast via law enforcement radio which started an instant emergency response from multiple other law enforcement agencies, with additional Spokane Valley/Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies arriving to assist within minutes.
It was quickly determined the call was a sickening and despicable hoax, and at no time were any of the students or staff in danger.
Major Crimes Detectives also responded and are assisting with the investigation.
Note: We have received information that similar calls have been made to schools in other counties within Washington.
There is absolutely no reason for someone to make such a reprehensible, senseless, and dangerous threat that only serves to spread fear throughout our schools and community. This criminal act also risks the safety of our entire community as emergency responders are pulled from their normal calls to provide emergency assistance. This is not a joke, the person(s) responsible for this call, and others like it, are nothing more than criminals with a complete and utter disregard for the safety of others or the terror and fear they spread.
This remains an active investigation, and anyone with information regarding this incident or who can provide information about a possible suspect(s) is urged to call Crime Check at 509-456-2233, reference #10066106.