(Stuart, Iowa) – Officials with the Stuart Police Department report at around 10:54-a.m. today (Thursday), Stuart Police and Guthrie County Deputies were dispatched to the West Central Valley High School in the 3200 block of White Pole Rd. for the report of a threatening note that had been discovered by a student. Following their protocols, West Central Valley Community School District Staff implemented a lockdown of the building and law enforcement immediately responded and secured the campus.

Responding Officers investigated and using physical evidence, quickly determined the identity of a person of interest. After being interviewed, that person confessed to writing and leaving the note. The suspect, who is a juvenile, will be charged in juvenile court with Threat of Terrorism, a Class D Felony.

Authorities stressed that “There is no connection between this incident and a similar incident that occurred at the same school last week, and there is no evidence that any real threat existed during either of these incidents.”

The Stuart Police Department and the West Central Valley School District have a long standing and strong partnership with each other. This includes frequent training and planning for critical incidents and a successful school resource officer program. We will continue to strengthen this partnership to provide for the safety and protection of all of the West Central Valley CSD Students and Staff.

Due to the juvenile suspect’s age, their identity will not be released at this time. This is an ongoing investigation and additional charges may be filed. Criminal charges are merely allegations based on probable cause. All defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.