DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — “It’s been just really scary.” Parents relieved after school lockdown lifted
Hundreds of students at MLK Jr. High School in Stonecrest were ordered to shelter in place for hours, after DeKalb County School District officials imposed a precautionary lockdown.
Dozens of school officers and county police swarmed the school, shortly after classes started Monday morning. Officers fanned out to search the campus, also using a weapon detecting police K-9.
[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]
Julius Hurst arrived at the school just before noon, hoping he could pick up his son.
“My son called me. He’s in the gym right now.’’ said Hurst.
Hurst says his son texted him cell phone video showing officers with rifles drawn, rushing toward the school. Other video and images showed students hiding in a locker room.
“He’s concerned. They’re not telling the children what’s going on.” said Hurst.
During the lockdown, concerned parents were told to wait at nearby Browns Mill Recreation Center until further notice.
“I just wanted to make sure he was safe, so I came here as quickly as possible. They just said there was a possibility of gun violence or something.” said Shannon Johnson.
TRENDING STORIES:
- 2 brothers shot, killed after fight over football game days ago, mother say
- Georgia teen dead after collapsing while playing soccer
- Georgia mom killed in four-wheeler crash
By early Monday afternoon, the lockdown was lifted and parents were told they could come to the school to pickup their children instead of waiting for them to take the bus home from school.
Student Orlando Johnson said he was told shelter in place in his classroom.
“They had us in the place the corner. I wasn’t too scared. Just a little worried.” said Johnson.
On Monday afternoon, the high school principal released this statement:
“Lion Family,
Our school prioritizes the safety and well-being of our students, their families, and staff. In our commitment to keeping our families informed with timely and accurate information, here is an update on this morning’s incident that led to a school lockdown as a precautionary measure.
At approximately 9 a.m., the school received a communication of a possible threat, which initiated a school lockdown. Thanks to our efficient District safety protocols, the incredible DCSD Police, campus supervisors, and our weapons detection K-9 quickly responded and conducted a thorough check of our campus. Once law enforcement determined it wasn’t a credible threat, we received the “all clear” and the school resumed its operations.
I am pleased to report that our safety protocols worked flawlessly, and our exceptional students and staff reacted appropriately to the situation. Out of an abundance of caution the dismissal schedule we go as follows:
Car riders will be dismissed at 3:10
Walkers will be dismissed at 3:20
Bus riders will be dismissed at 3:30
All after school activities held at ML King HS have been cancelled today. Thank you for your support, trust, and understanding. Should you have any questions or concerns regarding today’s incident or our safety procedures, please feel free to contact me at 678.874.5402."
Serving with a Lions Heart, Sharon Evans, Principal.
[SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]