Dubuque Police Investigate School Threat

CONTACT:
Lt. D. Brendan Welsh

Public Information Officer

Dubuque Police Department

Bwelsh@cityofdubuque.org

02/06/23 -- For Immediate Release

DUBUQUE, Iowa – At 11:23 a.m. the Dubuque 911 Center received an anonymous call reporting that there was a possible explosive device at Hempstead Highschool, 3715 Pennsylvania Avenue, Dubuque. Police analyzed the call and implemented their joint threat response protocols with the Dubuque Community School District. For their safety, students and staff were relocated within the school while officers searched the school and its exterior. The Dubuque Police Department concluded its search of the school at approximately 4 p.m. and no dangerous or explosive materials were located. This incident is being actively investigated as a criminal act. Threats of terrorism, especially involving Dubuque students are taken very seriously. Both the Dubuque Police Department and the school district are working to identify the caller in this case. Making a threat of terrorism is a class “D” felony in Iowa, punishable by confinement of up to 5 years in prison. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call the Dubuque Police Department at (563) 589-4410 or they can submit a tip anonymously at https://www.cityofdubuque.org/formcenter/police-department-8/submit-a-tip-43. Additionally, persons utilizing the Crime Stoppers hotline may qualify for a monetary reward by calling (563) 588-0714 with information that leads to an arrest.

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