Stuart Police make arrest in school threat

Stuart Police announced Oct. 10 the arrest of Terri Lynn Lira Arthur, 55, of Menlo, on one count of False Reports to or Communications with Public Safety Entities in violation of Iowa Code 718.6(2)(C) — a Class D Felony due to the nature of the reported threat involving terrorism — and one count of Harassment, in violation of Iowa Code 708.7(1)(a)(4), a Simple Misdemeanor.

The charges stem from an investigation initiated after a report to law enforcement Oct. 7 when a school employee received a phone call after regular school hours from an individual later identified as Arthur, reporting a potential threat of terrorism toward the school. The statements made during the call prompted an immediate law enforcement response.

After a thorough investigation, officers determined there was no credible threat and that the information provided by Arthur was false and may have been intended to falsely implicate another individual. The false report caused unnecessary alarm among school staff and distress to the person who was wrongly accused and subsequently subjected to a criminal investigation.

Arthur was arrested by the Guthrie County Sheriff’s Office on an arrest warrant stemming from the charges filed by Stuart Police. She was transported to the Guthrie County Jail, where she was booked on the listed charges.

The Stuart Police Department maintains a strong partnership with the West Central Valley School District, with a shared commitment to the safety of students and staff. The professionalism of school personnel and their prompt reporting of this incident allowed officers to respond quickly and ensure the continued safety of the school community.

False reports to law enforcement and emergency services have serious consequences. They divert limited public safety resources away from real emergencies, disrupt community operations, and create unnecessary fear and confusion among the public.

This remains an active criminal case, and no further details will be released at this time.