King Middle School in Portland was placed under a brief lockdown Monday morning in what turned out to be a swatting incident.
According to Portland Police, a 911 call came in around 9:40 a.m. reporting an active shooter inside the school.
Police said there was no indication of any threat after searching the school and that the call was a hoax. They said the situation was under control and on one was in any danger. The lockdown was lifted around 10:45 a.m.
“This reckless disregard for the safety and tranquility of our community’s students and staff, not to mention the broad diversion of critical emergency resources, is reprehensible,” said Chief Frank Clark. “Our initial investigation has led to the detention of a person of interest, and further supports the belief that an actual plan or threat against students or staff did not exist. My thanks to school staff for their collaboration.”
Police are still investigating and asking anyone with information to contact them.
Police said students could remain in school for the remainder of the day, but parents also had the option to pick their kids up at the Deering Avenue entrance to Fitzpatrick Stadium.
