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 the morning of Friday, July 9, 2021.

In response to an 8:27 a.m. call, 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 as normal 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 or the police department’s non-emergency line at (808) 935-3311.

Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous may call Crime Stoppers number at 961-8300 and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000. Crime Stoppers is a volunteer program run by ordinary citizens who want to keep their community safe. Crime Stoppers doesn’t record calls or subscribe to caller ID. All Crime Stoppers information is kept confidential.