Threats to Edmonds daycares part of multistate investigation

As Edmonds police investigate threats to local daycare centers, other police departments in Washington, Portland, and Utah are investigating similar threats.

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According to Edmonds Sergeant Josh McClure, similar threats were made over the phone to daycares both in Shoreline and Portland around the same time Monday.

In the case of the Edmonds daycares, the caller threatened violence, saying children would be shot. The threats were so graphic in nature, investigators wouldn’t give additional specifics.

Up to five daycares in Edmonds received threatening calls on Monday, and they were put on lockdown while multiple agencies responded.

Sergeant McClure said there’s no evidence yet to link the calls to multiple cities. What they do know is that a man was calling from out of state, using a texting app to disguise his phone number.

Through that, police were able to actually make contact with the suspect.

“We were able to make contact with him through that app, and then ultimately get voice contact with him, but where that number came from is part of what we’re still investigating,” McClure told KIRO Radio.

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A detective spoke with the suspect for about an hour Monday, enough to say they don’t believe there is an immediate threat to the local public.

“It’s still unsettling and unnerving for many people and parents, and we completely understand that,” McClure said.

In terms of next steps, state and federal authorities have yet to get involved, although McClure noted that they would be contacted “at the appropriate time.”

Additional reporting from MyNorthwest staff.