Updated Feb. 7, 2023 4:23 p.m.
Law enforcement in Jackson is now investigating the source of a hoax phone call falsely reporting a shooting Tuesday at Jackson High School.
Students were put on lockdown and later released.
That’s after police confirmed there was no threat.
Several other districts statewide received similar calls.
Jackson Police and Fire Services Director Elmer Hitt says the department is undergoing its own search for the person who made the threat using a Google Voice number.
"We'll run down as many leads as we can and do what we can to determine who is responsible," Hitt said.
Anyone with information can contact the city’s tipline at 517-483-7867.
Updated Feb. 7, 2023 at 4:20 p.m.
The Michigan Attorney General’s office is investigating a series of apparent fake calls threatening harm at a number of high schools across the state.
At least six high schools received hoax calls Tuesday morning reporting active shooters.
Jackson, Muskgeon, Ann Arbor, Detroit and Saginaw were some of the communities impacted by the apparent hoax.
In Okemos, students were released from classes and transported offsite to the custody of their parents and guardians.
Police conducted a thorough search of the high school and found no weapons or further evidence of a threat.
In a video, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel warned of the potential charges associated with the practice known as “swatting.”
She said making false reports of crimes or reports leading to physical injuries or death carry penalties of up to 15 years.
“A kid that decides to post threatening messages on social media about bringing a weapon to school as a prank, or decides to get school canceled by calling in a fake bomb threat could face felony charges and prison time,” Nessel said.
If convicted, perpetrators of swatting could also face fines of up to $50,000.
Posted Feb. 7, 2023 at 11:41 a.m.
Okemos High School students are being sent home after a shooting was falsely reported to authorities Tuesday morning.
The Meridian Township Police and Fire Department responded to a call of an active shooter at around 9:00 a.m.
That call now appears to be a hoax after law enforcement investigated and found all students were safe. The building is secure and there are no imminent threats at this time.
Students have been bused to the 2|42 Community Church to be picked up.
School districts in Jackson County and Ann Arbor have reported getting similar calls Tuesday and then finding no actual threats to student safety. Jackson High School students have also been sent home.
All after school activities and evening events at Okemos High School are cancelled.
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