The Vandalia Police Department is providing an update on the bomb threat incident reported at the Vandalia Junior High School on January 9, 2025. The Update from Vandalia Police Chief Jeff Ray—-
The threat, received via multiple phone calls, prompted a coordinated response to ensure the safety of students, staff, and faculty.
Upon receiving the initial report of the threat, law enforcement agencies immediately implemented safety protocols. Vandalia School District 203 placed all schools in “Secure” status, halting travel in and out of the buildings while officers conducted perimeter searches.
Additional resources were deployed, including officers from the Vandalia Police Department, Fayette County Sheriff’s Office, Illinois State Police, and the SOS K9 Bomb Squad. Free-air sniffs were conducted at all schools, and no suspicious items were located. Schools resumed normal activities once the initial investigation determined there was no immediate danger, with officers remaining on-site to ensure continued safety.
Further investigation revealed that the phone number used to make the threat had been involved in similar incidents across multiple jurisdictions. This was confirmed by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), which reported at least six other complaints tied to the same number. The FBI has taken the lead in this multi-jurisdictional investigation and will continue working to identify the suspect responsible.
We take these threats very seriously and will continue collaborating with the FBI and other agencies to pursue this investigation. We commend the swift actions of school staff and law enforcement in ensuring the safety of our students and faculty.
Comments