Juvenile Arrested Following Investigation into 2025 Watertown High School “Swatting” Incident

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Police Department has announced the arrest of a local teenager in connection with a high-profile “swatting” incident that occurred last year at Watertown High School.

The Incident: August 22, 2025

According to the release, on the morning of August 22, 2025, at approximately 8:58 a.m., law enforcement received a report of a threat involving a weapon inside the high school. The call triggered an emergency response and an immediate lockdown of the facility as officers conducted a building-wide search.

Investigators quickly determined the threat was a “swatting” incident—a deliberate false report designed to trigger a high-risk law enforcement response to an unsuspecting location. The lockdown was eventually lifted once the building was cleared and deemed safe by authorities.

The Arrest and Charges

Following an extensive, multi-agency investigation lasting several months, a suspect was identified through digital forensic analysis and subpoenas. On April 1, 2026, a 16-year-old juvenile from Watertown was taken into custody.

The juvenile is currently being held at the Codington County Detention Center and faces the following charges:

·         Terroristic Threat 

·         False Report 

·         Disturbance of a School 

The Serious Nature of Swatting

Watertown Police Captain Steve Rehorst emphasized that these investigations are complex, often involving internet-based phone services and coordinated activity across multiple jurisdictions.

“Swatting incidents are not harmless pranks. They can result in serious criminal charges, long-term legal consequences, and significant financial liability,” the department stated in a release.

In addition to criminal prosecution, the Watertown Police Department intends to seek restitution for the costs associated with the large-scale emergency response triggered by the hoax.