(Fort Dodge, Iowa) – Officials with the Fort Dodge Police Department report that around 6:30 this  (Tuesday) morning,  members of the Fort Dodge Police Department began to investigate information that had been received concerning a potential threat involving the use of a firearm by a student on the Saint Edmond school campus.

Members of the Fort Dodge Police Department Patrol Division as well as the Criminal Investigations Division, and Webster County Attorney’s office responded to the school to investigate this threat. The student who is suspected of making the reported threat was quickly detained. Following the initial investigation and based on information received, there is no credible evidence to suggest that a firearm ever was in the possession of the student in question, nor did a firearm ever make it onto the Saint Edmond School property. At this time there is no reason to believe that the physical safety of any student or staff was ever in danger.

In response to this threat, a sixteen (16) year old male student has been detained by law enforcement officials and held on the following charges:

* Threat of Terrorism (D Felony)

* Harassment 1st Degree (Aggravated Misdemeanor)

The suspect was transported to Central Iowa Detention in Eldora with this matter being referred to the Webster County Attorney’s Office and Juvenile Court Services for further action. The Fort Dodge Police Department is continuing to investigate this incident and encourages anyone with information to contact police immediately. Information may also be submitted anonymously via Crime Stoppers. As in all matters, the suspect is considered innocent of all charges until proven guilty by a court of law.

Authorities say “This incident highlights the importance of the idea of ‘If You See Something, Say Something”. The combination of students and parents, along with a collaborative effort by the Saint Edmond School System, Fort Dodge Police Department, and Webster County Attorney’s Office led to this swift resolution. We would like to thank the parents and students impacted by this unfortunate incident for their patience and understanding while local law enforcement conducted the investigation.