FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Joint Release – Napoleon Township Police & Fire Departments., & Napoleon Community Schools
Nine Count Felony Petition Authorized in Connection with Napoleon Schools' “Swatting” Incident
Napoleon Township — The Napoleon Township Police Department, Napoleon Township Fire Department, and Napoleon Community Schools have been advised that the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office has authorized a nine-count juvenile petition against a 14-year-old juvenile in connection with the threatening calls that resulted in a district-wide lockdown at Napoleon Community Schools on May 5, 2026, and the subsequent school closure on May 6, 2026.
According to the Jackson County Office of the Prosecutor, the authorized charges include:
• False Threat of Terrorism
• Conspiracy to Commit a False Threat of Terrorism
• False Threat of a Bomb
• Conspiracy to Commit a False Threat of a Bomb
• False Public Threat
• Conspiracy to Commit a False Public Threat
• False Report of a Felony
• Conspiracy to Commit a False Report of a Felony
• Using a Computer to Commit a Crime Punishable by 20 Years or More
The lead charges include offenses punishable by up to 20 years in prison.
The charges stem from the juvenile’s alleged involvement in three separate threatening calls made to law enforcement agencies that triggered a large-scale emergency response and lockdown procedures throughout the Napoleon Community School District.
During the incident, an extensive response was initiated involving 26 police units from six law enforcement agencies and 18 fire and rescue units from at least seven agencies. First responders immediately implemented emergency protocols, coordinated searches of school facilities, and worked closely with school administration, teachers, support staff, and district personnel to ensure the safety and well-being of students, faculty, and the community.
As we stated throughout this incident, any threat directed toward our schools will always be treated as real and responded to with the highest level of urgency and professionalism. While these types of incidents are often referred to as “swatting” calls, they create very real fear, anxiety, and disruption for students, parents, school staff, and the entire community, while also placing a significant strain on emergency resources.
This incident also reinforced the strength of the partnership between Napoleon Community Schools and emergency services. The coordinated efforts between school administrators, teachers, support staff, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and responding agencies demonstrated an unwavering commitment to protecting our children and community.
We again want to express our sincere appreciation to our school staff, students, parents, law enforcement partners, fire and EMS personnel, and community members for their professionalism, patience, understanding, and cooperation throughout this incident.
Due to the sensitive nature of juvenile proceedings, the identity of the juvenile respondent will not be released.
After school tutoring in Mr. Keeler's room is CANCELED for this evening, Monday 5/18/2026.
Don’t forget to sign up for the amazing Summer Reading Program through the Jackson District Library — and be sure to check out the Napoleon Branch located in the Township Offices!
Readers of all ages can join the fun, track their reading, and enter to win awesome prizes all summer long! 🎉📖
Stop by one of the Jackson Branches or use the QR code to sign up now and make this summer full of adventure, imagination, and reading fun!
Ethan was selected as a Runner-Up in the Science Category for the 2026 Detroit News/CATCH Outstanding High School Graduate Program. He was one of six students statewide recognized in science. 🔬
So Awesome Ethan!!
We are beyond THANKFUL for our awesome COMMUNITY!
💐🌷Attention Seniors - Extra Graduation Flowers Available for Purchase!🌼🌸
Each Graduate gets 2 roses for Free to give to their family members. Extra Flowers are $2 each and need to be ordered in the HS office or Mrs. Hampton's room. Money is due 5/12.
This event is open to all Napoleon students and families! We have a wide variety of clothing and many different sizes available.
📍 Location: Room 103 at the High School
➡️ Enter through the North doors by the end parking lot
🎨 Look for the bright colored signs!
Questions? Please contact Miss Pence:
📧 pam.pence@napoleonschools.org
📞 517-905-5814
We hope to see you there! 💚🏴☠️
UPDATE FROM THE SUPERINTENDENT
May 6, 2026
Dear Families and Community Members,
I am following up regarding the incident yesterday (5/5/26) that prompted a significant emergency response in our district.
Local officials received multiple reports of a serious threat. Out of an abundance of caution, we immediately implemented safety protocols, including coordination with multiple law enforcement agencies, as well as evacuation and reunification procedures—particularly at the elementary and daycare levels.
Law enforcement has since determined this was a false report, commonly known as a “swatting” incident, in which a fraudulent call is made to trigger a large emergency response.
Most importantly, all students and staff are safe and accounted for. We are grateful for the swift response of our first responders and commend our staff for acting quickly and calmly under pressure.
We recognize this was a stressful experience, especially for our younger students and families. Counseling and support services are available, and we encourage anyone in need to reach out.
We appreciate your patience during reunification, as ensuring student safety must remain our top priority.
Law enforcement continues to investigate, and the district will review our response to identify strengths and areas for improvement. While we cannot share specific security details, we remain committed to continually strengthening our safety practices.
After consultation with our first responder partners, we will resume normal school operations tomorrow, Thursday, 5/7/26. We will continue to share updates as appropriate.
Thank you for your continued trust and support.
Patrick Dillon
Superintendent
CAREER CENTER STUDENTS/PARENTS
Tomorrow, Thursday, 5/7/26
All Career Center students should report to the Napoleon High School cafeteria for a 7:30am meeting before leaving for the Career Center.
Drivers: We request that you please also report to the NHS cafeteria prior to departing for the meeting.
The Career Center and transportation department have been notified of the late arrival.
UPDATE – AS OF 6:40 PM May 5th, 2026
NO SCHOOL FOR ALL NCS STUDENTS TOMORROW Wednesday, May 6th, 2026 to allow time for thorough follow up to today’s situation.
Staff should check their emails for further details.
NMS / NHS Athletics events and practices will proceed as scheduled.
Pirates Cove WILL REMAIN OPEN.
Napoleon Community Schools experienced an alleged critical situation today that initiated a district-wide lockdown at approximately 2:43pm after Middle / High School was released but before Ezra Eby Elementary was released. Students have been successfully reunited with their families. Law enforcement remains onsite, investigations continue. Additional updates will be shared as they become available.
Our staff, students, and especially our local law enforcement agencies acted quickly and professionally to secure all buildings and grounds, ensuring the safety of everyone on site. We are grateful to report that an all-clear has been given.
While no response is ever perfect, this situation was handled with care, urgency, and a strong focus on safety. Communication through multiple channels, including email, social media, our website, and text/all-call systems was shared.
We appreciate your patience with any communication delays or shortcomings. Our top priority was, and always will be, the safety and well-being of the children in our care and those working to resolve the situation safely.
A full review of today’s events will be conducted in collaboration with our first responders to identify any areas for improvement. A crisis support team will be available for any staff or students in need on Thursday, May 7th, 2026.
Ezra Eby Elementary students will be released shortly and bused to the football field, escorted by their teachers and other staff members. Other students on site in other buildings will be cleared and released as soon as possible. Also released to the football field.
If you choose to pick up your student, please be patient as we work through our verification process to ensure student safety. You may carefully head to the NCS Athletic Field (Football field) to pick up your students. Arrangements will be made for students not picked up.
We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. We appreciate your patience as we focus on student / staff safety. Please drive slowly and carefully when entering the area. Follow the directions of law enforcement and staff on site. *Reunification Update May 5th 3:53 pm