OSKALOOSA, IA — The Oskaloosa Community School District was prompted to put its schools on “soft lockdown” after the Oskaloosa Police Department advised them of threats made on social media.
On March 8, 2023, at approximately 12:05 p.m., the Oskaloosa Police Department was advised by the Oskaloosa Community School District of a threat to the high school that originated on social media. The building was immediately placed on “soft” lockdown status by OCSD staff while law enforcement personnel conducted a protective sweep of the building. The elementary and middle schools were also placed on “soft” lockdown as a precaution.
During the investigation, a 16-year-old male was identified as the suspect. He later admitted to posting the threat to social media. He is being charged with making arson threats, a Class D felony.
Members of the Oskaloosa Police Department were assisted in this investigation by the Mahaska County Sheriff’s Department, Mahaska County 911 Center, Mahaska County Attorney’s Office, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, and Oskaloosa Community School District staff.
