LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Authorities have arrested a juvenile suspect after a bomb threat targeting Benton Middle School was determined to be a prank, prompting a swift emergency response.
Hoax Threat Triggers School Evacuation
According to the Benton Police Department, officers were alerted around 2:00 p.m. on April 8 after the school received a phone call in which the caller claimed they intended to blow up the campus before hanging up.
As a precaution, students and staff at Benton Middle School were evacuated to safe locations while law enforcement secured the area.
No Credible Threat Found
Police conducted a full search of the campus and determined the threat was not credible. Nearby schools were not evacuated after a threat assessment indicated no wider danger.
Suspect Identified Out of State
Investigators traced the call to a juvenile located in another state and coordinated with state police in that jurisdiction.
Authorities confirmed the suspect was identified and confessed to making the prank call.
Charges Pending
Officials are now working with out-of-state law enforcement to pursue charges against the juvenile. Due to the ongoing investigation, additional details have not been released.
Ongoing Investigation
Police are asking anyone with information related to the incident to contact the Benton Police Department.
Key Takeaways
- Bomb threat at Benton Middle School determined to be a hoax
- Students and staff safely evacuated during investigation
- Juvenile suspect identified and confessed to prank call
- Authorities coordinating across state lines for charges