Teen Arrested After Online Threats Prompt School Closures Across Dakota County

EAGAN, MN — Police have arrested a 16-year-old male believed to be responsible for a series of online threats that led to high school closures across multiple Dakota County school districts, authorities said Tuesday.

Detectives executed a search warrant in Eagan as part of an extensive investigation into threats targeting schools there, as well as in Apple Valley, Rosemount, and Burnsville.

Police said the juvenile suspect was taken into custody and will be transported to the Dakota County Juvenile Detention Center. No weapons were located during the search. Formal charges will be sought through the Dakota County Attorney’s Office.

The investigation stemmed from multiple threatening messages posted online that referenced possible harm at several high schools in Dakota County.

Earlier Tuesday, District 196 closed all of its high schools out of an abundance of caution while law enforcement investigated the threats. The district serves Rosemount, Apple Valley, and Eagan.

Burnsville High School and Burnsville Alternative High School were also closed on Tuesday after an online threat was reported, according to ISD 191. Students at those schools were dismissed with police on campus assisting with safety procedures, while all other ISD 191 schools continued operating as normal.

“This case has involved multiple school districts, law enforcement agencies, and impacted thousands of students, staff, and families,” Apple Valley police said in a statement. Authorities thanked partner agencies and District 196 for their collaboration.

Police stated that the investigation remains active as the case progresses through the juvenile justice system.