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3 Henry Co. schools placed on lockdown

MCDONOUGH, Ga. — Three Henry County schools started the school year with a 20-minute lockdown because two men were illegally hunting in the area, police said.

Henry County Schools spokesman J.D. Hardin said Eagle's Landing High School, Eagle's Landing Middle School and Flippen Elementary School were temporarily placed on lockdown at about 10 a.m.

Henry police spokesman Sgt. Joey Smith said officers received reports of gunshots nearby. They found two people illegally hunting in a field near Tunis Road and Jodeco Road.

"When they went to check it and they found some individuals on 4-wheelers that were illegally hunting doves, and evidentally when they saw the officers they tried to get away from them but they detained them," Smith said.

Police were initially unsure about the nature of the gunshots, so they put the schools on lockdown as a precaution.

Henry County district officials said school resource officers and other law enforcement officials quickly secured the area.

“The Department of Natural Resources responded and cited the hunters,” added Smith.

Channel 2's Rachel Stockman spoke to parents who said they were shocked by the situation.

"I really didn't know what was going on," said one parent, who was relieved no one was harmed.

Authorities people to hunt responsibly.

"We just want to encourage the public to be aware of the hunting laws and if you're going to hunt, you take that responsibility and know when you're legally authorized to hunt," said Smith.