UPDATE: Gravette High School delays, no threat to students
For individuals in crisis or seeking help for someone else please call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. Text SAVE to 741741 for free confidential help for emotional crisis support.
GRAVETTE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — UPDATE: Police say they are searching for a person threatening to harm themself.
The person’s phone was pinged within a mile of the school. The city confirmed that the person had a gun on them.
Out of precaution, the high school delayed its start time to 10 a.m.
Police say they found the person safe in their home and that there is no threat to the public.
The school’s superintendent, Maribel Childress, responded to the delayed start with a statement”
The safety of our students and staff is our top priority, and we are incredibly thankful for the individuals of the Gravette Police Department who work tirelessly to keep all of our campuses safe. We also appreciate the trust and partnership of our parents when we make precautionary decisions associated with the safety of our students and staff.
We understand that situations like these can be concerning and we make every effort to provide the information we can while also keeping all individuals involved as safe as possible. We want to reassure our community that we are taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of our students and staff, both physically and mentally. Our counselors are available to provide support to those who may need it.
Again, we want to thank the Gravette Police Department and all first responders for their swift action and dedication to keeping our schools and community safe.
Gravette School District superintendent Maribel Childress
Gravette Police Chief Charles Skaggs said the person was talked out of suicide by the hotline they called.
After the call, Gravette, Centerton and Highfill police immediately searched the area where the phone was pinged, near the high school
Skaggs was grateful for the help of other departments and happy to learn the person who made the call was no longer a threat to themself.
“A tremendous response and we worked for basically since 5 o’clock this morning, several man hours to make sure this individual that made the phone call’s OK,” Skaggs said.
GRAVETTE, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA) — According to a post on Gravette High School’s Facebook page, classes will have a delayed start “due to a situation.”
The city’s Executive Assistant and Communications Director, Ami Murray, has confirmed an active police situation at the high school.
Student OK after hitting car at Praire Grove High School
Students who drive themselves to school cannot arrive before 8:50 a.m.
Police presence can be seen on South Lion Drive, by the high school and at the high school.
Gravette High School serves 616 students.
This is an ongoing situation. Stay with KNWA/FOX24 for the latest.
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