ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A phone call Tuesday morning warned McDowell High School officials of an active shooter, the McDowell County Sheriff’s Office said.
The call sent numerous law enforcement agencies to the campus, which was put on lockdown.
“After a thorough search of the campus, it was confirmed that no gunshots had been fired and there was no active threat present at McDowell High School,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release. “The scene was deemed safe, and the security of all students and staff was confirmed.”
Sheriff Ricky Buchanan praised the efforts of all involved.
“This was a great response from law enforcement and emergency personnel, as well as a great response by the staff at McDowell High School and administrative personnel of McDowell County Schools,” Buchanan said in the statement. “We extend our deepest gratitude for everyone’s swift and professional action during this incident.”
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Multiple local, state and federal law enforcement agencies and McDowell County Emergency Service personnel assisted.
“Anytime there is a call like this made to a school, we take it very seriously and want to do all we can to protect our kids and teachers,” Buchanan said. “We are very happy there was no shooter and no one was physically injured.”
Authorities are now focusing on finding out who made the call. Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call 828-652-2235.