OSKALOOSA POLICE ARREST MAN FOLLOWING MULTIPLE BOMB THREATS
OSKALOOSA, Iowa — On Tuesday, October 27, 2026, at approximately 8:05 a.m., the Oskaloosa Police Department and Mahaska County Law Center began receiving reports of multiple bomb threats involving locations throughout the Oskaloosa community.
During the investigation, law enforcement determined that multiple threatening communications originated from the same source. Law enforcement and public safety personnel responded to the affected locations and conducted appropriate safety checks. No explosive devices were located.
Investigators identified Joseph Williams, 33, of Des Moines, as the individual believed responsible for the communications. Williams was located in Waukee and taken into custody with the assistance of the Waukee Police Department.
Williams has been charged with:
• Five counts of False Report of Explosive or Incendiary Device, a Class D felony; and
• Three counts of Harassment in the First Degree, an aggravated misdemeanor.
Williams is being held at the Dallas County Jail.
The Oskaloosa Police Department was assisted during the investigation and response by the Iowa Division of Intelligence, Mahaska County Sheriff’s Office, Mahaska County Dispatch, Mahaska County Attorney’s Office, Mahaska County Emergency Management, Oskaloosa Fire Department, Des Moines Police Department, and Waukee Police Department.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional information may be released as appropriate.
All criminal charges are merely accusations, and Williams is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
