There is a new word we are being forced to accept into our modern glossary of daily terms, “swatting” is an internet prank or crime where someone calls 911 anonymously and reports a fake emergency, in which case law enforcement or a SWAT team would be dispatched to the address.
Churchill County schools were locked down shortly after 11 a.m. on Thursday when the Fallon Police Department received a threat of a possible shooting at the high school. Oasis Academy and Logos Christian Academy also were locked down as multi-agency law enforcement units responded to the threat.
According to the Fallon Police Department, “This incident appears to be a hoax; however, the Fallon Police Department takes these threats seriously and will continue our efforts at the schools to ensure the safety of all.”
The Fallon Police Department and Churchill County Sheriff’s Department responded immediately and deployed officers to each school.
“Law enforcement officers are currently in the process of clearing all schools and will determine when it is safe for us to lift the lockdowns. Law Enforcement and the CCSD will keep everyone informed as more information is available to us from law enforcement personnel,” said the school district’s media release. “Everyone’s safety is of utmost importance so we will keep all doors secured and no one will be allowed to enter or leave. Students are safe in their rooms, and we will keep everyone posted. Please avoid going to any of the schools at this time. No one will be let into the buildings,” said the release.
However, distraught parents flocked to school sites, as students and teachers inside the building were texting worried messages to loved ones.
A few hours later, the Churchill County School District released another message to assure parents that all the schools are safe and there was no active threat and the Fallon Police Department had lifted the lockdown at all schools. The department followed its emergency protocols to clear all schools and found that the schools are safe. Law enforcement officers found no indication that this morning’s threat was credible. The district’s message included being thankful to the law enforcement officers for their quick and thorough response. And thanking parents and families for their cooperation and support during this time.
While the school officials understand that messaging does not always seem timely, ensuring student safety is their highest priority and they make sure all information is accurate before sending.
Schools remained in session for the remainder of the day and buses operated on their normal schedule. Parents who chose to pick up students early worked through school offices following normal procedures.
As the day rolled on, reports came in from several other school districts across the state, experiencing similar situations, with calls coming in around 11 a.m. with similar threats.
According to the Elko County School District Facebook page, “A phone call was made to dispatch at approximately 11:05 a.m. expressing there was a possible threat on the Elko High School campus. Officers arrived on scene, searched, and cleared campus and all the buildings. No threat was found. Law enforcement cleared the scene at approximately 11:35 a.m.”
In Douglas County, a call to the sheriff’s office of an active gunman in Genoa resulted in the temporary lock-out of all area schools.
The White Pine sheriff’s office received a report at 11:20 a.m. of a possible threat on the White Pine High School campus and enacted its emergency response procedures.
Boulder City also received a call claiming an active shooter at the high school and they determined the threat to be a hoax.
Both Mineral and Humboldt Counties issued releases informing their communities of the incidents in neighboring counties and increased their law enforcement presence, by “heavily patrolling” the schools.
While school officials, students, and parents across the state endured the stress and trauma of today’s events, all of us, as citizens of the State of Nevada are thankful for the quick responses of our law enforcement organizations and grateful for their actions in handling the potentially life-threatening situations.
Comment
Comments