Marshfield Police Department Responds to "Swatting" Incident Involving a Marshfield Student

Thursday, September 26th, 2024 -- 12:22 PM

On Wednesday, September 25, the School Resource Officer assigned to the Marshfield High School received a phone call from an individual reporting concerns over the mental state of a current student of the high school.

Allegations were made that the student made comments about committing an act of violence at the school. Approx. 20 minutes later a call was made to the Wood County Dispatch Center that this same student had just committed a stabbing at a residence in rural Marshfield.

Upon deputies of the Wood County Sheriff's Department and officers of the Marshfield Police Department responding to the residence, efforts were made to secure the school, as the whereabouts of the student were unknown.

Administrative staff at the Marshfield High School were made aware, and a decision was made to move the school into a soft lockdown. Officers were able to locate the student off school grounds, and it quickly became evident that the calls received were not credible.

The Marshfield Police Department along with the Wood County Sheriff's Department are continuing to investigate this matter, as we do view this crime as a public safety issue.  Often referred to as "swatting," these calls create unnecessary panic and wastes already limited public resources.

Working closely with industry partners, we continue to refine our technological capabilities and investigative techniques to identify the thoughtless individuals that commit this crime. No further information will be released at this time.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.