GREENWOOD, WI (OnFocus) – A report of a possible explosive device in a student’s backpack led to a lockdown at Greenwood Elementary School on Wednesday, February 13, 2025. Authorities later determined the suspected device to be a toy, and no threat was found.
According to the Clark County Sheriff’s Department, they received a call at approximately 2:53 p.m. from school staff regarding concerns about a student’s backpack. In response, the school was immediately placed on lockdown, and arrangements were made to evacuate students and staff.
Law enforcement officers quickly arrived on the scene to secure the building and conduct an initial search. No suspicious devices were located during the search, but as a precautionary measure, the Marathon County Bomb Squad was contacted to assess the suspected item. Their investigation determined the device was harmless and posed no danger to the school or the public.
The building remained on lockdown overnight. The following morning, on February 14, 2025, a K-9 unit from the Wood County Sheriff’s Department performed an additional sweep of the school, which also found no threats. As a result, the school was reopened at 7:00 a.m., and normal operations resumed.
“There is no threat to the public,” the Greenwood Police Department stated in a release, expressing gratitude to students, families, and school staff for their patience and cooperation throughout the incident. “The safety and security of our students and staff is of utmost importance.”
The Greenwood Police Department also extended their thanks to their law enforcement partners who assisted during the response, including the Clark County Sheriff’s Department, Loyal Police Department, Owen-Withee Police Department, Neillsville Police Department, Greenwood Area Fire and Ambulance, Marathon County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad, and Wood County Sheriff’s Department K-9 unit.
Local authorities remind the public to report any suspicious activity and commend the swift response that ensured the safety of everyone involved.
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Author: News Desk
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