Update: Hoax bomb threat forces evacuation at North Gem High School; Caribou County Sheriff’s Office investigates

UPDATE:

CARIBOU COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — A threat against North Gem High School in Bancroft, that led to an evacuation and large police response on Wednesday, has been confirmed as a hoax. The Custer County Sheriff's Office confirmed in an official Facebook post that there was no actual danger to students or staff after a thorough sweep of the property.

According to Caribou County Sheriff Adam Mabey, the threat originated from an out-of-state number.

"Caribou County Sheriff's Office received a call in our communications center of a threat towards the North Gem School District," explains Sheriff Adam Mabey. "The threat was specific in that there may be explosives involved and weapons."

Law enforcement responded quickly, ensuring the students and staff were safely evacuated as a precaution before conducting a sweep of the school. Out of an abundance of caution, school was canceled for the remainder of the day.

Local law enforcement worked alongside school officials throughout the afternoon to ensure all students were accounted for and safely reunited with their parents.

"We removed the children from the school to a location of safety. The school faculty went through the process of contacting the parents so they could meet at the reunification site. Parents were contacted individually to be advised on whether their children were going to be coming home on the bus or if they needed to get them at the reunification site," explains Mabey.

While the Sheriff's Office has found no actionable threats to the school or the community, the investigation into the incident is ongoing. Making a hoax bomb threat is a felony, which, according to the FBI website, "those who post or send these threats can receive up to five years in federal prison," in addition to potential state and local charges.

Local News 8 is monitoring this developing story. We will provide updates on-air and online as new information becomes available.

ORIGINAL:

CARIBOU COUNTY, Idaho (KIFI) — North Gem High School in Bancroft was evacuated, and students were dismissed for the day on Wednesday following an unconfirmed threat received against the building. Local law enforcement remains on-site for further investigation.

The Caribou County Sheriff’s Office and Idaho State Police (ISP) are currently on the scene conducting a sweep of the building, according to the Idaho Enterprise News.

Lt. Todd Orr from the Idaho State Police confirmed that a school has been evacuated as a precaution and all students are safe. The Caribou County Sheriff's Office has stated it will release additional details later today.

Local News 8 is monitoring this developing story. We will provide updates on-air and online as new information becomes available.