Bomb threat suspect arrested

A suspect is in custody on charges stemming from a bomb threat received at a Creighton school last week.

Christi Johnson, 34, of Yankton turned herself in at the Knox County Jail on Saturday. She is currently charged with a misdemeanor count of false reporting.

Students and staff at Creighton schools were evacuated last Wednesday, after a phone call was received at the public school at approximately 1:20 p.m., stating, "Robert said there is a bomb in the school."

Staff and students were evacuated to the Faith, Hope and Love facility and authorities notified, following protocol developed as part of the school's safety plan. All staff and students were out of the building in minutes, according to a police report.

"Protocol is practiced and evaluated to see if anything has a need to be changed to make situation better," said Robby Thompson, superintendent of Creighton Community Schools. "Students, staff and parents did a great job of following protocol throughout entire situation."

The building was subsequently cleared by law enforcement personnel with the assistance of the three members of the school maintenance staff, as well as Nebraska State Patrol K9 unit.

St. Ludger Elementary School officials were notified of the potential threat. Students and staff were evacuated to the Creighton fire hall, with the school site also cleared by law enforcement and the NSP K9.

Parents were notified via the school's communication system by 2:10 p.m., and students had all been reunified with parents, according to a 4:10 p.m. post on school social media. They were able to retrieve personal belongings and vehicles Wednesday evening. School was held, as scheduled, Thursday.

Meanwhile, a Creighton police officer was able to trace the call and another one made to Knox County Sheriff's office, leading authorities to identify Johnson on Wednesday afternoon. The suspect was interviewed at a Yankton motel Wednesday night. She allegedly admitted making the call in an attempt to divert attention from a search being conducted in the Creighton vicinity for a Center man who was wanted on multiple complaints.

The affidavit requesting a warrant for her arrest, on a felony count of making terroristic threats, was filed Thursday by Creighton police officer, Tiffany McLean. A complaint, charging Johnson with a misdemeanor count of false reporting, was filed by Knox County Attorney John Thomas, also on Thursday.

Johnson remained in custody as of Tuesday, Aug. 27, with bond set at $4,000, 10% cash. Arraignment is set in Knox County Court at 9 a.m. Sept. 23.

Verdigre and Niobrara police, Knox, Boyd and Dixon county sheriff department personnel, NSP and the Creighton Volunteer Fire Department aided in the evacuation and investigation.