Bomb Threat At Riverside County School Ruled 'Bogus:' Police

MENIFEE, CA — A bomb threat targeting a Menifee school Monday was declared "fake," officials say, after prompting lockdowns and a detailed investigation.

The caller directed the bogus threat toward Menifee's Santa Rosa Academy, a K-12 charter school on La Piedra Road with an enrollment of more than 1,500 students.

According to a statement from the Menifee Police Department, the identity of the caller who contacted dispatchers shortly after 11 a.m., claiming there was an explosive on the school grounds, remains under investigation.

"Officers quickly arrived on scene, and the campus was put on lockdown out of an abundance of caution while the threat was investigated," agency spokesman Chase Coburn said. "Our dispatch center was quickly able to identify that the number associated with the threat had a history of previous swatting calls."

Swatting involves contacting law enforcement agencies from distant locations and providing false information about threats and emergencies in hopes of generating a large police response.

"The campus remained on lockdown while officers conducted a search of the school and surrounding area to ensure the safety of all students and staff," Coburn said.

With the assistance of Riverside County sheriff's personnel, the police department was able to verify that the threat had no basis, and the lockdown was lifted by early afternoon.

As of Tuesday morning, investigators were working to identify the caller, Coburn said. Anyone with information was asked to contact the department at 951-723- 1500.

Related:

Bomb Threat Reported At Santa Rosa Academy Charter School In Menifee