At 1:13 pm on Wednesday, Nov. 8, Cottonwood Police Department officers alongside several supporting agencies were dispatched to Cottonwood Community School at 301 N. Willard St. following what later turned out to be a false report of a “school shooting” incident.
Immediate measures were taken to secure the area, with surrounding schools promptly implementing soft lockdowns as a precaution.
After a thorough and swift investigation on the premises, CPD officers ascertained that the distress call was a
hoax, originating from a cell phone used by a juvenile student.
The situation was confirmed as a case of “swatting,” a false reporting of an emergency to elicit a heavy police response.
There was no active shooter situation, and all students and faculty are accounted for and safe.
“The investigation into this serious matter is active and ongoing,” CPD Sgt. Cody Savage stated. “The Cottonwood Police Department is taking the necessary steps to address the incident. The cooperation between the involved agencies and the school administration was integral to the swift resolution of this incident. The Cottonwood Police Department extends its gratitude for their prompt and professional response.”
“Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available,” Savage stated. “We thank the community for their understanding and support during this incident.”
