Crime & Safety
Oneida County, NY Bomb Threats Oct. 21: Multiple Schools Targeted
Utica, NY – Multiple schools across Oneida County received bomb threat calls Wednesday, Oct. 21, prompting evacuations, police responses and searches involving specialized K 9 units as authorities beg
By Cole Barrett · 2026-10-21T18:44:43.220Z
Utica, NY – Multiple schools across Oneida County received bomb threat calls Wednesday, Oct. 21, prompting evacuations, police responses and searches involving specialized K 9 units as authorities began investigating the incidents.
According to Oneida County Sheriff Robert M. Maciol, the Sheriff's Office was notified at approximately 11:20 a.m. Wednesday after a Special Patrol Officer assigned to Harts Hill Elementary School reported that a bomb threat call had been made to the school.
Elementary School Evacuated Following Threat
Law enforcement officers immediately responded to Harts Hill Elementary School, located within the Whitesboro Central School District.
The building was evacuated while authorities conducted a search to determine whether any danger was present.
Members of the Oneida County Sheriff's Office K 9 Unit and New York State Police K 9 Unit assisted in clearing the building.
Officials confirmed that the school was deemed safe following the response.
The Sheriff's Office maintained continuous communication with Whitesboro Central School District administrators throughout the incident.
Similar Bomb Threat Calls Reported at Other Schools
Authorities confirmed that similar threatening calls were received by other schools in separate districts across Oneida County during the same period.
Those calls prompted additional law enforcement responses.
The Sheriff's Office K 9 Unit also assisted at Hughes Elementary School in the city of Utica.
The Yorkville Police Department and New York State Police assisted the Sheriff's Office during the response at Harts Hill Elementary.
Investigation Into Threats Continues
Sheriff's officials emphasized that students, staff and the surrounding community were not in danger during the incident.
Investigators from the involved law enforcement agencies are continuing to examine the threats.
Authorities have not publicly identified a suspect or announced arrests in connection with the calls.
It remains unclear whether the incidents originated from the same individual or group.
Additional information may be released as the investigation progresses.