Why 2 Macon schools were briefly placed on emergency lockdown Friday morning
Howard high and middle schools went on lockdown Friday morning after two “intruders” showed up on campus, causing a safety concern, according to school officials.
The lockdown lasted less than an hour before officials ruled everything was safe.
A statement released by the school principals said that at 8:39 a.m., the school sent a message to parents stating the schools were on emergency lockdown and no students or guests were allowed to enter or exit the building until the lockdown was cleared.
The message said students arriving by bus would be held on buses and diverted to an alternate location until it was safe. Carpool students were asked to return home.
A second message went out at 9:12 a.m. stating the lockdown had been lifted and normal operation would resume.
“All students and staff are safe and the day will continue as planned. Please know we appreciate your support and understanding. A message with more details will follow shortly,” the message read.
A follow up message went out at 10:02 a.m. explaining the circumstances surrounding the emergency lock down.
School administration was notified by several witnesses of two intruders on campus who were identified as former Howard High School students, officials said. The campus was placed on emergency lockdown immediately in order to ensure the safety of students and staff, according to the message.
Officials for the school said students already inside the building were held in place in the gymnasium.
Campus police did a search of the building and reviewed video footage which showed the two intruders leaving the building. A follow-up sweep of the building was conducted to ensure no items were left behind, according to the message sent to school families.
Once it was determined all was clear, the emergency lockdown was lifted. Howard Middle School students on buses were diverted back to the school and carpool riders were notified it was safe to return to campus. Students at Hutchings for morning classes were not impacted because the lockdown was lifted prior to student dismissal at Hutchings, officials said.
A statement from the schools read:
“Normal operations for the Howard Campus have resumed to allow students and staff to return to their routine; however, we are also very aware this incident may have caused some anxiety or concern among students and staff. Counselors and support staff will be available to provide any support as needed.”
School officials said campus police will work with law enforcement on follow-up regarding the intruders and any charges as a result of this incident.
