BANCROFT — The North Gem School was evacuated late Wednesday morning because of a threat that prompted a massive law enforcement response — a threat authorities later determined to be false.
The threat was reported around 11:30 a.m. and resulted in law enforcement units from as far away as Pocatello responding to the Bancroft school. The threat mentioned explosives and firearms, Caribou County Sheriff Adam Mabey told the Idaho State Journal Wednesday afternoon.
Law enforcement officers and their vehicles pictured in the North Gem School parking lot in Bancroft on Wednesday.
"We took it really, really seriously," Mabey said.
Authorities evacuated the entire school and swept the campus before school administrators walked through with officers to ensure nothing concerning had been left behind. Students were reunified with their parents and sent home for the remainder of the day.
Other schools in Caribou County, including the Soda Springs and Grace school district, were placed on lockdown until the situation was deemed secure. Those schools have since resumed normal operations, Mabey said.
The Caribou County Sheriff's Office announced on Facebook at 2:30 p.m. that the law enforcement response had concluded and no actionable threats were found to the school or community.
Agencies responding to the scene included the Caribou County and Bear Lake County sheriff's offices, Soda Springs and Montpelier police departments, Idaho Department of Corrections and Caribou County Emergency Medical Services.
The Regional STAR team — a multiagency tactical unit — was also on standby.
Law enforcement officers and parents pictured at the North Gem School in Bancroft on Wednesday.
Mabey praised the community and parents for their calm and orderly response throughout the incident.
"There wasn't mass confusion," Mabey said. "Parents came and picked up their children in a safe and calm manner. I think it's a reflection of the rural community that stands together."
Mabey said the incident may be connected to a national trend of so-called "swattings" — false threats designed to provoke a serious law enforcement response.
"We have to handle each one as if it's a real incident," he said.
The Sheriff's Office said its investigation into the threat is ongoing. Bancroft is a town of about 320 people located northeast of Lava Hot Springs.
Law enforcement officers pictured outside of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints building across the street from North Gem School in Bancroft on Wednesday with students and school staff.
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