NEWBERRY, FL (352today.com) – The Levy County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) received a call this morning from an someone threatening to carry out a shooting at Newberry High School.
LCSO says that the call was made to Levy County’s non-emergency administrative line. They say that the caller claimed to be a student at the high school and told deputies that he was inside a bathroom and armed with a rifle. The call was disconnected shortly after.
At the time the call was received, an Alachua County Sheriff’s Office (ACSO) sergeant and deputy were already on campus. ACSO stated the two were “instrumental” in the response.
The deputies immediately notified school staff to initiate a lockdown and ensure that all students were secured and removed from hallways. Additional deputies arrived on scene as the on-campus officers began a search of the building.
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After a “systematic search” of the campus, deputies determined that there was no potential threat to students or staff.
“We are grateful to report that the school was thoroughly cleared and that no threat was found. All students and staff are safe,” ACSO said.
The sheriff’s office believes the call was a case of “swatting,” a false report meant to trigger an emergency law enforcement response.
“We are incredibly thankful for our continued collaboration with the Alachua County School Board. It is because of this strong partnership that our Deputies were able to respond immediately and effectively to ensure the safety of everyone at Newberry High School,” the agency said.