Story update: The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Friday morning that the threats called to West Elementary school were fake. They have now received a total of five separate swatting calls across four days this week.West Elementary School in Arcadia was evacuated Friday morning just before 8 a.m. after the school received multiple threat calls. The first one was regarding a hostage situation. Desoto County Sheriff James Potter told Gulf Coast News the call said 11 students were being held hostage inside a math classroom for $1,000 in crypto.He confirmed they already had crews inside the classrooms and they were able to deem that call, a false threat.The second call made was for another bomb threat prompting students and staff to evacuate to a safe zone outside of the school.Once deputies and officers swept the campus and confirmed it was safe to go back, students and staff were allowed back in the building and resume class.This marks the fifth time this week that the sheriff’s office has received threat calls for West Elementary, all of which have prompted police and sheriff’s deputies response.The School District of Desoto County School board held a Closed Executive Session Emergency School Safety Meeting this morning to discuss new school safety protocols and how to move forward from these calls. West Elementary Principle Nicole Black released a statement emphasizing, “The school counselor and the school social worker will conduct classroom visits to check on students and staff as needed.” She added, “The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority. We are grateful for the swift response of the Sheriff’s Department and for the cooperation of our students and staff during this situation.”These cases are currently being investigated by the Criminal Investigation Division. The school and Sheriff’s office ensures that they will continue safeguarding the campus.Previous Coverage:Swatting call prompts police response at West Elementary School in ArcadiaArcadia police respond to non-credible bomb threat at West Elementary School Third swatting call this week locks down West Elementary School in Arcadia; No threat, deputies say DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.

ARCADIA, Fla. —

Story update: The DeSoto County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Friday morning that the threats called to West Elementary school were fake. They have now received a total of five separate swatting calls across four days this week.

West Elementary School in Arcadia was evacuated Friday morning just before 8 a.m. after the school received multiple threat calls.

The first one was regarding a hostage situation. Desoto County Sheriff James Potter told Gulf Coast News the call said 11 students were being held hostage inside a math classroom for $1,000 in crypto.

He confirmed they already had crews inside the classrooms and they were able to deem that call, a false threat.

The second call made was for another bomb threat prompting students and staff to evacuate to a safe zone outside of the school.

Once deputies and officers swept the campus and confirmed it was safe to go back, students and staff were allowed back in the building and resume class.

This marks the fifth time this week that the sheriff’s office has received threat calls for West Elementary, all of which have prompted police and sheriff’s deputies response.

The School District of Desoto County School board held a Closed Executive Session Emergency School Safety Meeting this morning to discuss new school safety protocols and how to move forward from these calls.

West Elementary Principle Nicole Black released a statement emphasizing, “The school counselor and the school social worker will conduct classroom visits to check on students and staff as needed.” She added, “The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority. We are grateful for the swift response of the Sheriff’s Department and for the cooperation of our students and staff during this situation.”

These cases are currently being investigated by the Criminal Investigation Division. The school and Sheriff’s office ensures that they will continue safeguarding the campus.

Previous Coverage:

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.