UPDATE: ‘Suspicious device’ found a Middletown High School deemed a hoax

UPDATE @ 5:35 p.m.:

The Butler County Sheriff’s Office says the suspicious device that sent Middletown High School and Middle School into a lockdown Wednesday was a hoax.

INITAL REPORT:

Middletown High School dismissed early Wednesday after being put on lockdown for a “suspicious package,” the Middletown City School District said.

The high school was put on lockdown around 11 a.m. The middle school was also temporarily placed under a “soft lockdown,” which means everyone remains inside, and all building doors that lead outside are locked.

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The school district announced at 11:13 a.m. that the high school was dismissing early. Parents were told that they can pick their children up at the track, and they should use the Manchester entrance and exit via Breiel Boulevard.

At 12:10 p.m., the school district said Middletown police had given them the all-clear and the high school is back open.

“At this time, the High School is back open and we are lifting the soft lockdown at the Middle School. Thank you for your cooperation while we worked to keep everyone safe,” the school district said.

We will continue updating this story as we learn more.