A bomb threat called in to Burbank High School was traced to a number linked to a previous false report, police said Thursday.
Officers responded to the campus at 902 N. Third St. about 2:35 p.m. Wednesday after a caller claimed explosive devices had been placed at the school and demanded money, according to the Burbank Police Department.
“The caller appeared to use a voice-modulating device and disconnected after a brief conversation,” Burbank police spokesman Lt. Brent Fekety said.
The school was evacuated “out of an abundance of caution” while officers conducted a systematic search, which found no evidence of a credible threat, he said.
“Investigators determined the phone number used in the incident is not associated with a registered cellular provider and has been linked to a prior `swatting’ incident reported by another law enforcement agency,” Fekety said.
Swatting refers to false emergency reports intended to prompt a large law enforcement response, such as a shooting or home invasion.
Fekety said police take such incidents seriously and will pursue criminal and civil accountability against anyone responsible.