Bomb threats called into two northwestern Indiana communities have forced the closing of up to nine schools in Lake County, Indiana, authorities say.

The bomb threats were made by phone to both the St. John and Schererville police departments late on Monday night, prompting the Tuesday closures of several middle schools and elementary schools in the area.

Lake Central Community School Corp. Superintendent Larry Veracco said police told the school that bomb threats were made specifically to Kolling Elementary School and Clark Middle School in St. John and Homan Elementary School in Schererville, but other schools were closed as a precaution.

“The caller specifically stated that bombs would result in injuries to many people in these buildings,” Veracco said in a statement released to the press and reported by the Chicago Tribune.

On Tuesday morning, the two departments cooperated on searches of each school directly threatened.

No reports have been released on the results of the search, but the investigation had resulted in the arrest of a juvenile by the late Tuesday afternoon.

Police also said the threat is likely a hoax.

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