Extra law enforcement at Carter County schools after swatting call

VAN BUREN, Mo. (KBSI) – Extra law enforcement are providing additional safety Monday morning after Carter County schools received a swatting call.

Missouri State Highway Patrol trooper are investigating the swatting incident.

The area received a swatting call indicating a possible threat to schools in the area, according to a letter posted from Van Buren R-1 School Superintendent Amy Jackson on Van Buren R-1 School District’s Facebook page.

A call made to a local business on Friday, April 26 around 4 p.m. falsely reported a potential threat to an unspecified area school, according to a sergeant from MSHP.

The Van Buren Police Department, Ellsinore Police Department and Carter County Sheriff’s Office requested assistance from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

It was determined the reported threat lacked credibility and was identified as a swatting incident.

There will be additional law enforcement officers in and around Carter County schools, including East Carter County R-II School and Van Buren School.

Law enforcement will provide programs with students involving canines.

“The investigation into this incident remains active as authorities continue their efforts to identify and apprehend the individual responsible. Swatting is a serious offense with severe legal consequences, given the potential harm it can conflict,” according to a statement posted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

According to Missouri State Highway Patrol Public Information’s Officer Eddie Young their area has seen an increase in swatting calls, and he says it’s using up valuable time and resources.

“When one of these calls are received it is a serious threat that is being reported and it can be EMS, FIRE, obviously police, these special teams and possibly air aviation can be involved and responding to the area.”

Young says people who make these calls should be aware that they are keeping the police and other resources away from being able to help when real emergencies happen and if caught making one of these calls you can face a list of serious charges.

“If you’re caught facilitating one of these swatting calls you’re going to be facing multiple felony counts from simply just misuse of 911, or making a false statement all the way up to terroristic threats and ultimately if someone is harmed during one of these events you can be held accountable for man slaughter or even up to murder,” said Young.