PAW PAW, Mich. (WOOD) — Deputies are investigating after they say a juvenile suspect called threats in to Paw Paw and Mattawan schools, prompting lockdowns Wednesday.
The threats came in around 12:30 p.m., according to Paw Paw Middle School. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office said the call indicated someone would “come to the school and shoot it up.” Both schools locked down, according to Mattawan Police Department.
Police and deputy response was “immediate and overwhelming” to both schools and they began investigating. Law enforcement found that both threats came from the same source.
Detectives were able to track down the suspect, who admitted making the calls to both Paw Paw and Mattawan, as well as a school in Mississippi. The Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office is working with Mississippi police about those threats.
Police said the threats were “deemed unsubstantiated” and eventually, the lockdown was lifted for Paw Paw and Mattawan schools. Students were dismissed at the usual time alongside increased staff and law enforcement, the schools said.
The Van Buren County Prosecutor’s Office is reviewing the case to determine if charges will be filed. The suspect was not identified by police.