(Atlantic, Iowa) – Atlantic Police Chief Devin Hogue, Wednesday afternoon (today), updated an earlier statement issued by Atlantic School District Superintendent Dr. Beth Johnsen, with regard to a threat to the High School in Atlantic. In his report, Chief Hogue said “On the 24th day of January, 2024, the Atlantic Police Department received a report of a threat being made at the Atlantic High School.

“After investigating the incident, it was found that the threat was not credible and students and staff were not in immediate danger to attend school the following day. However, due to the seriousness of the threat and the disruption to the school and learning environment, a 14 -year-old juvenile was taken into custody and has been charged with Threats of Terrorism and transported to a juvenile detention center.

“The Atlantic Police Department worked alongside the Atlantic Community School District during the investigation and has made contact with the Iowa Governors School Safety Bureau in regards to the incident.

“No other details are being released at this time. If you have information regarding the incident, please call the Atlantic Police Department at 712-243-3512.”

Note: A criminal charge is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty.