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Multiple schools across Humboldt County placed on lockdown due to out-of-state threats

Press release from Eureka Police Department:

The Eureka Police Department is aware of multiple threats being called into local schools and businesses throughout the city and county over the past couple days. Working in collaboration with local and federal law enforcement agencies, EPD’s School Resource Officer and Criminal Investigations Detectives are actively investigating these incidents.

At this time, it appears the individual making the threat is located outside of Humboldt County. However, EPD will continue utilizing appropriate response protocols to ensure the safety our of schools and the community at-large.

EPD asks that members of public and the media do not respond to schools when they receive information in regard to a threat made. Any official information about threats made will come from your local law enforcement or local school district.

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Press release from Arcata Police Department:

The Arcata Police Department, in conjunction with the Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office, Eureka Police Department, Fortuna Police Department and other regional partners, are investigating a string of on-going threatening phone calls to schools and businesses throughout the county.

From January 2025 to present, the adult male suspect has called over 20 schools and businesses making threats resulting in lock-down protocols and law enforcement responses.

The suspect, who resides out of state, has been identified and Arcata Police Detectives are seeking a warrant for his arrest.

If your school or business receives threats, please contact your law-enforcement agency of jurisdiction and follow your threat assessment policies and procedures. The Arcata Police Department has been in contact with our school district partners and will respond to assess and investigate each incident occurring in the City of Arcata.

If you have any information pertaining to this case, please contact the Arcata Police Department’s Investigations Unit at 707-822-2428, or, your law-enforcement agency of jurisdiction.

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Multiple Humboldt County schools were placed on lockdown this morning, after receiving anonymous phone call threats. At least five local schools that we are aware of – Arcata Elementary, Sunny Brae Middle School, Fuente Nueva Charter School, Trinidad Elementary and Grant Elementary – have reported receiving a phone threat that prompted a lockdown. Most schools have since reported that, following police response, the lockdowns have been lifted.

“Attention S.B.M.S. Families,” Arcata School District posted to Facebook a little after 9 am today. “Sunny Brae was placed on lockdown this morning just prior to the start of school due to an anonymous phone call threat. Police responded and have determined we can end the lockdown. Students are returning to class. We understand that some families may want to pick up their child. Please come to the front office in an orderly fashion. More information will follow.”

Roughly an hour later Arcata School District posted the same message about Arcata Elementary School.

Parents of Fuente Nueva Charter School in Arcata began receiving a similar message at around 10:17 this morning, stating “FNCS was placed on lockdown this morning due to a phone call threat. Police have responded and have determined we can end the lockdown.”

Reports of lockdowns at Trinidad Elementary and Grant Elementary followed.

It’s not clear yet who is responsible or if the threats are linked, but KHSU will update when we know more. Today’s events also follow Eureka High School being placed on lockdown yesterday afternoon, due to a “security concern.”

Raised in Arcata, Stephanie McGeary has lived in Humboldt County for most of her life and is proud to share stories about this weird and beautiful place that she calls home.