Wakefield High School was placed on lockdown this morning after a false report of shots fired near the school’s football field.
WRAL reported someone called 911 claiming to have heard the shots at about 10:30 a.m. The school was placed in lockdown “just a precaution,” school officials said.
But upon investigation police found no evidence of a shooting. Police have detained the person who made the false report, ABC11 reports.
“There is no threat at any Wakefield campus at this time. The investigation is continuing to ensure the safety of everyone on our campus. The lockdown transitioned to a code yellow at the Elementary and Middle Schools without incident,” Wake County Public Schools said in a statement to ABC11.
Update: The News & Observer reports that, in a message to parents Thursday night, Wakefield High principal Malik Bazzell said an investigation determined that students had pranked the school.
“Federal student privacy laws prohibit us from sharing specific information about students, but you can be assured that appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with our district policy is being taken in this matter,” Bazzell wrote, according to the N&O. “While each situation is looked at individually, disciplinary action can include long-term suspension from school. In addition, criminal charges will be filed.”
All students and staff at Wakefield HS are safe. There is no reason to worry. Principal Bazzell will issue an official statement within the hour. Thank you
— Wakefield HS (@WakefieldHS) December 5, 2019
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