PALM COAST, Fla. – The Flagler County Sheriff’s Office is investigating fake emergency calls that prompted a law enforcement response to two schools.
Buddy Taylor Middle School and nearby Wadsworth Elementary were placed on lockdown Wednesday morning due to a suspicious call. Both schools were eventually cleared and the regular schedule was resumed.
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According to the sheriff’s office, over the course of two days, a male caller contacted the Flagler County Communications Center through the non-emergency line and then called Buddy Taylor Middle School making threatening messages targeting the school. Each time, law enforcement responded and searched both schools.
The sheriff’s office said it continues to work with Flagler Schools to investigate all suspicious threats and to work quickly to ensure the safety of Flagler County students.
According to deputies, they are investigating the calls as “swatting calls,” a rising trend nationwide where a caller makes fake reports that draw an onslaught of law enforcement and cause lockdowns. In most instances, the caller is a current or former student, the sheriff’s office said on social media.
Anyone with information about the swatting calls is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 386-313-4911 or via email at TIPS@flaglersheriff.com.
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