FORT DODGE – In yet another gun scare in this community, a 12-year-old boy was arrested in Fort Dodge after saying he had a gun at the middle school.
On Tuesday, January 24, 2023, at approximately 11:50 AM, the Fort Dodge Police Department received information of a student at the Fort Dodge Middle School, that was alarming students and staff that they were currently in possession of a firearm inside the school.
Members of the Fort Dodge Police Department Patrol Division and the Criminal Investigations Division responded to the school to investigate the threat. Following the initial investigation and based on information received, police determined there was no credible evidence to suggest that a firearm ever was in the possession of the student in question, nor did a firearm ever make it onto the Fort Dodge Middle School property. At this time there is no reason to believe that the physical safety of any student or staff was ever in danger.
As a result of the investigation, a twelve (12) year old male student was arrested on the following charge:
* Harassment 1st Degree (Aggravated Misdemeanor)
The juvenile suspect was released to a parent and the case is being referred to the Webster County Attorney’s Office and Juvenile Court Services for further action.
The Fort Dodge Police Department is continuing to investigate this incident and encourages anyone with information to contact police immediately. Information may also be submitted anonymously via Crime Stoppers. As in all matters, the suspect is considered innocent of all charges until proven guilty by a court of law.
As a result of the coordinated efforts of the Fort Dodge Community School District, Fort Dodge Police Department, and Webster County Attorney’s Office this incident was quickly concluded.
