Suspect in Custody After Threat Prompts South St. Paul School Closure; Incident Follows Metro-Wide School Threats
Published: March 18, 2026 | Last Updated: March 18, 2026 at 1:15 pm.
UPDATE: Suspect in Custody After Threat Targeting South St. Paul Schools
An update from the South St. Paul Police Department just before noon on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, confirms that a suspect is now in custody following a threat that prompted South St. Paul Public Schools to cancel in-person classes and transition to e-learning.
According to police, the situation began during the early morning hours when officers became aware of a separate call for service in Saint Paul. During that investigation, authorities learned that an individual involved, who had fled the scene prior to officers arriving, had made a specific threat of violence directed at South St. Paul Public Schools.
E-Learning Decision Made Before Threat Could Be Verified
Investigators immediately began working to locate the individual and assess the credibility of the threat. However, due to the early timing and the approaching start of the school day, officials said there was not enough time to fully determine whether the threat was credible.
With students and staff already preparing to begin the day, district leaders decided to close schools and shift to e-learning out of an abundance of caution.
Suspect Voluntarily Surrenders
Police say probable cause for the suspect’s arrest had been established by the Saint Paul Police Department.
At approximately 10:30 a.m., the suspect, a 29-year-old man from Saint Paul, voluntarily turned himself in at the South St. Paul Police Department and was taken into custody without incident.
He was later transferred to the custody of the Saint Paul Police Department and is expected to be booked into the Ramsey County Jail as the investigation continues.
The South St. Paul Police Department says they are grateful for the continued partnership and quick actions of South St. Paul Public Schools, as well as the support of our law enforcement partners with the Saint Paul Police Department. The collaboration among the agencies involved in this investigation enabled a safe resolution to the incident and helped ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community.
This is a developing story. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
ORIGINAL STORY - SOUTH ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA - South St. Paul Public Schools closed all schools on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, transitioning students to an e-learning day following what officials described as a “safety concern.”
The announcement was made around 7 a.m., with district leaders emphasizing the decision was made “out of an abundance of caution” as they work with local law enforcement.
“Our district has been working closely with the local police department, and we are taking this step to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and community,” the district said in a statement.
At this time, school officials say there are no additional details being released about the nature of the concern. Families were advised to monitor district communications for updates and guidance regarding e-learning.
Part of Broader Twin Cities School Threat Investigation
Wednesday’s closure comes just one day after widespread school disruptions across the south metro tied to threats targeting schools in Independent School District 196.
As previously reported by Limitless Media, ISD 196, which serves communities including Eagan, Apple Valley, Rosemount, and surrounding areas, canceled classes on Tuesday, March 17, after multiple schools received threatening voicemails overnight. You can find that full story here:Out-of-State “Swatting”-Style Threat Prompts ISD 196 School Closures; FBI Now Leading Investigation
The messages were discovered around 3:30 a.m., prompting an immediate response from law enforcement.
Authorities later confirmed the threats were part of a broader pattern impacting schools across the Twin Cities metro and beyond, consistent with “swatting”-style incidents seen nationwide. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has since taken a lead role in the investigation, working alongside local agencies.
Heightened Caution Across Districts
While it is not yet confirmed whether the South St. Paul incident is directly connected to the ISD 196 threats, the timing suggests districts are taking heightened precautions amid ongoing concerns. School districts across the metro have increasingly coordinated with local police departments and federal authorities in response to similar threats, prioritizing rapid response and student safety.
In South St. Paul, officials stressed that the closure was a proactive measure.
“We understand this may be unexpected, and we appreciate your flexibility,” the district said. “We will provide updates as soon as more information becomes available.”
What Families Should Know
All South St. Paul Public Schools buildings are closed on Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Students are expected to participate in e-learning
No additional details about the safety concern have been released
Updates will be provided through official district communication channels
Ongoing Investigation
Law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the threats impacting schools across the region. Officials have not released information about any suspects or specific origins of the threats.
Authorities continue to urge the public to take all threats seriously while also recognizing that many recent incidents have been hoaxes designed to disrupt schools and emergency services.
Written by: Will Wight
