Threats investigated at Clear Lake school, bank

by Marianne Gasaway

A pair of Clear Lake institutions were the subject of threats in the past week.  In both instances, officials determined there was ultimately no immediate danger to the public.

Clear Lake Police Chief Pete Roth said his department was called to Clear Lake High School Thursday morning, Dec. 13, after a student reported another student’s comments regarding a possible shooting at the school.  Roth stated that after an investigation, the threat was found to not be credible.

“After an investigation, we discovered students were engaged in an inappropriate conversation about a shooting at the school.  We acted on this information immediately to ensure all students were safe.  We found no evidence that indicated the threat was viable,” stated CLHS Principal Chris Murphy in a letter dispatched to parents Thursday.  “We contacted local law enforcement for their support to ensure our students are safe and to follow district procedures.”

Murphy went on to say that school officials will hold all students who made contributions to the conversation involved in this situation accountable for their actions.

He commended students with sharing the conversation they heard and communicating with teachers, administrators, or other school personnel.

“Please have a conversation with your student to make sure they continue to report any suspicious activity to us so we can continue to provide a safe learning environment,” he added.  “Student safety is always our number one concern in our buildings.”

The second instance of a threat occurred at Clear Lake Bank & Trust in downtown Clear Lake Thursday afternoon.

Chief Roth said his department responded to a report of a bomb threat sent through an email to CLB&T at 322 Main Ave. about 1:50

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p.m.

Police officers worked with bank officials and the Clear Lake Fire Department on scene.

“The investigation determined the threat was most likely an internet scam and there was no danger to the public. There were many other institutions across Iowa that received similar emails,” said Chief Roth.  “We take every reported threat seriously and will investigate each and every one of them. The public safety officials involved in the respective incidents, which includes dispatch, police and fire, handled them in an efficient, thorough and professional manner.”

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