An early-morning 911 call claiming a stabbing at Troutman Elementary in Troutman sent police racing to the campus today, only for officers to find no victim, no weapon and no attacker.
The call came in before students arrived, while staff were inside getting ready for the school day. The caller told dispatchers they had stabbed someone and were hiding inside the building. Officers quickly responded, swept the school and temporarily held buses outside while they made sure every room was clear. After a full search, police reported that there was no injured person and no armed subject inside.
According to a post on the department's Facebook page, Iredell County Communications received the 911 call at about 6:53 a.m., and the caller first claimed to be hiding in an upstairs bathroom, as detailed by the Troutman Police Department. The Troutman school resource officer was among the first on scene, and officers carried out what police described as a thorough search of the building. Investigators are now working leads to track down whoever made the call.
In that statement, the department emphasized that “the safety of students, staff and community remains the top priority” and confirmed that the incident was determined to be a hoax.
Investigation and legal consequences
Police say they are working to trace the call and identify whoever is responsible for the hoax. In North Carolina, knowingly making a false report of mass violence on school property is a Class H felony under G.S. 14-277.5.
Federal authorities have pursued swatting cases and warned that false emergency calls can put first responders and school communities in harm's way, according to AP.
How parents and staff were affected
Because the hoax call came in before classes began, there were no students inside the building when officers arrived. Normal instruction went forward after a short delay while buses were held outside during the search.
Parents are encouraged to monitor official district channels for any updates. Information about the school and district is posted on the Troutman Elementary / Iredell‑Statesville Schools site. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the Troutman Police Department, as noted in the department's Facebook post.
Police reported no injuries and said the campus was cleared once the search was complete. Investigators are also asking anyone who noticed suspicious activity near the school early Friday to come forward so they can pursue additional leads.
