5 Childcare Facilities Targeted In Phone Threats: Report

EDMONDS, WA - The threats made against five separate child daycare facilities in Edmonds this past weekend reportedly came from outside the state. Edmonds police on Tuesday said they do not believe there is any immediate threat to Snohomish County communities.

Police on Monday said they spoke with the man who made the threats of violence but have yet to make a positive ID. Investigators previously said they were skeptical the man could actually follow through with the threats, but they nevertheless pursued the case to ensure the community's safety.

"Threats against any member of the community are unacceptable, but threats made against innocent children are indefensible," EPD Sgt. Josh McClure said in a statement Tuesday. "The Edmonds Police Department will continue to work this investigation and use the resources of our local, State, and Federal law enforcement partners, as appropriate. Our patrol officers will continue to provide a visible presence in your neighborhoods and exceptional response to calls for service. More details on this investigation will be released as appropriate."

EPD officials just after 1:30 p.m. Jan. 21 said the department along with numerous law enforcement partners were investigating several threats of violence made against multiple locations throughout the city. Later in the day police officials confirmed the threats were made against five child daycare businesses, though officials also said they hadn't found evidence that supported the legitimacy of the threats.

The childcare facilities that were called reportedly include the Great Kids Academy at 24310 76th Ave. W.; the Grow with Us Preschool and Child Care centers at 7802 196th St. SW. and 665 Edmonds Way; and two others in the 8000-block of 240th Street Southwest and the 21300-block of 80th Avenue West, respectively.

Officers were positioned at each of the facilities while the investigation continued into Monday evening, but ultimately no threats were carried out and nobody was hurt, police said.

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"Prank phone calls are one thing but this appears to be a very coordinated effort to cause fear," EPD Sgt. Josh McClure told reporters at a press briefing. "We want to find the person responsible so these people can go back to these locations and feel safe."

Locating the caller who made the threats is reportedly more challenging because the man is using some kind of messaging app that disguises his actual location, police said.

This post has been updated from its original version to include Tuesday's statement from Edmonds police.

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