The Times - Serving Waitsburg, Dayton and the Touchet Valley

DAYTON—The Columbia County Sheriff’s Department reported that on May 10, 2023, dispatch centers in Easter Washington, including Columbia County, received similar calls from an individual threatening violence towards area schools.

The Dayton Schools went into lockdown after the Columbia County Dispatch Center received the threat. Deputies from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and troopers from the Washington State Patrol secured a perimeter around school grounds and placed officers inside the building. Law enforcement worked with school officials and staff to ensure appropriate safety protocols.

The lockdown was lifted after the threatening phone calls received throughout the region were found to be unsubstantiated.

The matter is currently under investigation.

In a press release, Columbia County Sheriff Joe Helm thanked the teachers and administrative staff of the Dayton School District, the Washington State Patrol, and deputies of the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office for their swift and professional response during this event