Rumor of Possible Shooting Threat Forces Lockdown at UCHS

UPDATE 4:30 p.m.:

On Wednesday at approximately 10:30 am, the Union County Sheriff’s Office responded to Union County High School in reference to a rumor of a threat to the high school.

After an extensive investigation, Deputy Michael Heady tells WMSK News they determined that there never was any type of threat to any of the students or faculty. He says the high school was put on a lock down as a precaution, as is protocol.

STORY:

Local law enforcement agencies responded to Union County Highs School Wednesday morning regarding a rumor of a possible shooting threat that forced school officials to lock down the building to ensure the safety of students and staff.

Union County Public Schools’ Public Information Officer Malinda Beauchamp sent out the following one call to parents regarding the lock-down situation at UCHS:

WMSK News spoke to Union County Sheriff Mickey Arnold around 10:30 this (Wednesday) morning. He confirmed there was NOT an active shooter in the school, and NO gun had been found.

About 12:30 p.m. Wednesday, Beauchamp sent out another one call to parents/guardians and posted the following statement via Facebook:

“At this time, authorities have cleared UCHS of any threat. We are stepping down to a modified lockdown.

A modified lockdown means all exterior doors will remain locked to visitors. Students will be transitioning between classes on a shorter time schedule with teacher supervision.

Students will be released to lunch in groups with increased supervision and heightened monitoring.

At the end of the day, we will keep students in classrooms and release in groups with direct supervision to the buses, car rider lines, and student drivers.

Tomorrow, we will have K9 services, Sheriff Department, and school officials thoroughly search the building to ensure our campus is secure for the return of students and staff. Students will be wanded with a metal detector upon arrival and K9 services will be on campus all day as well as the Sheriff Department.

Again, thank you for your patience as we have diligently worked to ensure the safety of our staff and students.”

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