Suspect Identified in October Central Linn Bomb Threat

Parents were kept informed until the lockdown was lifted.

Central Linn HS is located in Halsey, Oregon Map: Google

(LINN COUNTY, Ore.) - A suspect has been identified in the bomb threat that caused the Central Linn High School to be on lockdown for several hours on October 29th, according to Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon.

On the morning of October 29th at 9:44 a.m. deputies responded to the school to investigate a threat that came in over the phone. The caller referenced a “bomb”, which put the school on alert and caused them to lockdown the facility.

The school was locked down for approximately three hours, while deputies searched the entire school, including school grounds, every building and classroom. Deputies did not find any suspicious items and the lockdown was eventually lifted.

During the lockdown, parents were not allowed to pick up their children. Authorities say this was necessary to preserve the scene and keep the children safe during the deputies’ search. Parents were kept informed of the situation by a Sheriff’s Office representative until the lockdown was lifted.

Deputies were able to trace the phone number back to an address in Warrenton, Virginia. Through their investigation, it was learned similar threatening calls were made from the same number to New York Fire Departments and other government agencies throughout the nation, including others in Oregon.

With numerous jurisdictions investigating similar threats, 45-year old Paul Oliver Martikainen was eventually taken into custody for the threats in Bryson City, North Carolina. The FBI has been involved in these cases and Martikainen is facing federal charges. Specific charges are not known at this time.

The Linn County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by New York Police Department and Fauquier County Sheriff’s Office in Virginia.

"The Linn County Sheriff’s Office takes every threat seriously.

"Deputies will thoroughly investigate each incident to identify the suspect and hold them accountable. The safety of our children and schools is our highest priority, added Linn County Sheriff Jim Yon. The investigation is continuing.

Source: Linn County Sheriff's Office