KIEL, WI (WTAQ) – Police in Kiel responded to a school shooting rumor on Tuesday, but are having trouble finding creditable information.
Chief Dave Funkhouser said he was disappointed to learn that multiple people in the heard a rumor about a possible school shooting that would take place at the school on Friday, but nobody reported it.
“When we spoke to people, students and even adults had heard about this for at least a few days, but nobody had taken the initiative to tell law enforcement.”
The rumor was threatening action that would take place Friday.
“What was frustrating for us was that we heard them say that they knew why were wanting to talk to them. They knew why we asked them to come to the police department.”
Only one individual who heard the rumor took the time to tell police.
“This individual said he asked if anyone had told the police, and when they all said no, he immediately drove to the police department.”
Funkhouser said too many people try to evaluate the importance of information that they come across, but instead, they should report it.
“You are not bothering us, and please do bother us. It is our job.”
He said there are many reasons why people tend to withhold information.
“You may lose a friend, but you may save a life.”
Police say their initial investigation did not show any evidence to validate the rumors, but police plan to have additional officers at the school on Friday.
Anybody with creditable information is asked to contact the Kiel Police Department.
