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Bomb threat called in to Southeast Polk school board meeting Thursday night, police say nothing found

The Altoona Police Department tells Local 5 the building was evacuated on Thursday night, but nothing was found.

ALTOONA, Iowa — Altoona police are looking to identify the person who called in a bomb threat Thursday night at a Southeast Polk school board meeting.

Lt. Alyssa Wilson tells Local 5 police responded after the threat was made, checked the area and safely evacuated everyone from the building. 

Nothing was found, and detectives are seeking to identify the caller who phoned in the threat, according to police.

Wilson said authorities have found a possible suspect.

"The vast majority of board meetings are highly civil, citizens are engaged in productive ways," said Lisa Bartusek with the Iowa School Board Association.

The district released the following statement Friday morning:

"During the January 6th regular Southeast Polk School Board Meeting, Board members and meeting attendees were notified by the Altoona Police that a threat had been made toward the Board. Law enforcement secured the area, the Board adjourned the meeting and everyone safely exited the building. The incident remains under investigation. As always, the safety of our students, staff, and community is our top priority. The District is thankful for the actions of the law enforcement officials involved.

Local 5 will continue to update this store as information becomes available. Be sure to download the We Are Iowa app, subscribe to our YouTube channel and the "5 Things to Know" email newsletter.

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