Cashmere schools cleared after reported social media threat prompts lockdown

CASHMERE — A lockdown at Vale Elementary School was lifted June 29 after law enforcement searched the campus and other schools throughout the Cashmere School District in response to a reported social media threat that authorities later determined appeared to be unfounded.

According to the Chelan County Sheriff's Office, a man called Vale Elementary at about 10:40 a.m. Monday to report a threat of violence that had been made against the school on a social media platform. School staff immediately contacted RiverCom, prompting a response from sheriff's deputies.

While deputies were en route, the school implemented its lockdown procedures. As investigators gathered more information, the reported threat began to appear unfounded. Even so, deputies searched Vale Elementary, the surrounding area and every other school in the Cashmere School District before lifting the lockdown after confirming there was no active danger.

"The Chelan County Sheriff's Office and the Cashmere School District take every potential threat to our students and staff seriously," the sheriff's office said in a news release.

The sheriff's office also commended district staff for their response, saying their professionalism, quick actions and implementation of established safety protocols contributed to the successful resolution of the incident.

Detectives are continuing to investigate the origin of the reported threat. Authorities said there is no threat to any schools at this time.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media