Delmarva bomb threats may be part of 'swatting' trend
Bomb threats were reported at multiple schools on Delmarva on Monday morning.
Showell Elementary in Berlin was evacuated at approximately 11:25 a.m., and Beacon Middle School in Rehoboth Beach around 11:30 a.m., according to school officials.
Indian River School District Spokesman Dave Maull said a threat was made to East Millsboro Elementary just after 11 a.m.
All schools' students and staff have been evacuated safely.
Showell was evacuated to an undisclosed location, according to Worcester County System Spokeswoman Carrie Sterrs.
While a series of robocall bomb threats were reported across Wicomico and Worcester County schools in February, Sterrs said it is unclear at this time whether the threat at Showell was related.
Sterrs reported Showell Elementary was given an all-clear from law enforcement at 1:22 p.m.
Tracy Sahler, public information officer for Wicomico County Public Schools, said no threats have been made to area schools.
In Delaware, Beacon Middle was swept and cleared with no threats found, according to Cape Henlopen School District Spokeswoman Alyssa Titus.
Titus said students were re-entering the building around noon, and Maull said students at East Millsoboro were also allowed to re-enter the building after state police cleared any threat.
Titus was also uncertain whether the threat made was related to past incidents.
READ MORE: Learn how police responded to bomb threats in February
But Maull confirmed the threat was made via robocall, as they were in the February incidents.
Delaware police also responded to a reported threat at Polytech High School in Woodside at 11:22 a.m., as well as Stanton Middle School in Wilmington at 11:33 a.m, according to a press release. Following evacuation, a full investigation found no evidence of a threat at either school.
This is an ongoing investigation.
Delaware State Police said they were uncertain if the threats were related to the incidents in February, according to the release.
Police are asking for any information in reference to any of the bomb threats which have occurred. Please contact Troop 2 Youth Aid Division at 302-834-2620, Troop 3 Youth Aid Division at 302-697-4454, or Troop 4 Youth Aid Division at 302-856-5850. Information may also be provided by calling Delaware Crime Stoppers at 1-800-TIP-3333, via the internet atwww.delaware.crimestoppersweb.com, or by sending an anonymous tip by text to 274637 (CRIMES) using the keyword "DSP."
Threats made against schools across the United States led to the evacuation of students Monday in what could be the latest example of so-called "swatting" against schools.
In recent months, hoaxers playing online games have allegedly used proxy servers and other high-tech identity-disguising tools to anonymously threaten schools online or in phone messages with electronic voices to trigger a huge police response, including SWAT teams.
Along with the Delaware schools, some in Colorado, Minnesota, New Hampshire and Wisconsin also received threats. Media outlets in the United Kingdom also reported evacuations.
Delmarva schools react, reflect on recent bomb threats