A suspect is now in custody after a series of threatening calls were placed to multiple local businesses between Wednesday and Thursday.
According to Emporia Police Cpt. Lisa Hayes, Newman Regional Health reported a criminal threat on Wednesday evening after an unknown individual called and made threats to “shoot up” the hospital. EPD determined the call was placed from an area in Lansing, Michigan.
Early Thursday morning, several other businesses including Emporia Christian School, the Emporia Recreation Center, Maynard Early Childhood Center and the Buckle received similar threatening calls from the same phone number. The threatening calls triggered a lockdown at Maynard and the cancellation of the school’s preschool session.
USD 253 Community Relations Director Lyndel Landgren says Emporia Police determined it was safe to return to the building around 10:30 am with afternoon classes proceeding as scheduled.
Emporia Police, in cooperation with the Lansing, MI Police Department investigated the incidents which led to the apprehension of 26-year-old Tyler Sanders who is currently in custody in Lansing.
Sanders could be charged with five total counts of aggravated criminal threat in Lyon County as well as additional charges in Michigan and Louisiana. Formal charges are currently pending.
