No imminent threat found after phone scare triggers brief lockdown at Idaho Falls Community Hospital

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Idaho Falls Community Hospital is safe and operating normally this morning after a phoned-in threat triggered a brief lockdown. The Bonneville County Sheriff's Office quickly responded and assessed the situation, determining there was no imminent danger to patients, staff, or the public.

According to Sgt. Bryan Lovell, hospital staff, alerted on-site security deputies just before 8:00 a.m. after receiving a troubling phone call. The caller claimed they were heading to the hospital with the intention of causing harm.

Bonneville County Sheriff’s deputies responded immediately, placing the facility on a temporary lockdown. Staff and patients were instructed to remain in their rooms while law enforcement cleared the building and the surrounding area.

"Working with hospital administration, deputies quickly determined there was no active threat to the facility and resumed normal operations within the hour," said Lovell in a news release.

While the lockdown has been lifted, Lovell says deputies are continuing to work with hospital administration to investigate. As a precautionary measure, law enforcement extra deputies will be patrolling the complex throughout the day.

In a joint statement, Idaho Falls Community Hospital (IFCH) administration and the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office expressed their gratitude to patients and the public for their patience and cooperation during the brief disruption. IFCH leadership also extended a special thank you to local law enforcement for their rapid response in ensuring the safety of everyone on campus.

Anyone with information about this or any other criminal activity can report tips anonymously online through East Idaho Crime Stopper at www.IFcrime.org or through the P3tips app on your mobile device.