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 sa...