Kentucky State Police investigate wave of school threats across state

FOX23 News at 9 p.m

KENTUCKY (KBSI) — Kentucky State Police are investigating multiple school threats reported across the state, with investigators believing some may be connected to a larger robocalling pattern.

Officials said none of the threats reported so far have been deemed credible, but each incident is being treated seriously.

Trooper Michael Coleman, public affairs officer for Kentucky State Police Post 9 in Pikeville, said threats have been reported across Kentucky, including in the Post 9 region.

Coleman said Johnson County schools received threats Tuesday, prompting an immediate response from troopers and local law enforcement. He also said the threats have stretched from western Kentucky to eastern Kentucky and “everywhere in between.”

Coleman said many of the calls came through 911 systems before being quickly relayed to local law enforcement and troopers.

“As a father myself, there’s that onset panic,” Coleman said. “You want to be there to take your children. But just know that we are getting there as fast as we can to make sure that the scene is safe and these kids are protected.”

State police said families may notice an increased law enforcement presence around schools in the coming days as a proactive safety measure.

Coleman encouraged parents to talk openly with their children and remind them to report suspicious activity.

“If you see something, say something,” Coleman said. “I’d much rather go out there and it be nothing.”

Authorities said bomb threats are considered a serious crime and investigators are continuing efforts to determine where the calls originated.