Hawai’i Island police have initiated a first-degree terroristic threatening case in connection with a threat that lead to Kea‘au Middle School being locked down this morning, July 9, 2021.

Puna patrol officers learned that a phone call had been made to the staff, threatening the school. Immediately after receiving this information the school went on lock-down measures to ensure the safety of all students in attendance and the staff at the school.

Police quickly responded to the incident ensuring the safety of the school’s students and faculty. A systematic search found no unauthorized person on campus.

Just prior to the lock-down being lifted, Kea‘au Middle School staff received another call threatening the school, which necessitated that the lock-down remain in place, and another search of the campus was completed.

School was dismissed at 12:10 p.m. and the lockdown was lifted.

Police ask anyone with any information about this case to call Detective John Balberde at (808) 961-2386.