LOWVILLE, New York (WWNY) – Thursday’s lockdown and early dismissal at Lowville Academy & Central School were the result of swatting, law enforcement officials said.
Swatting is when someone falsely reports an emergency, such as an active shooter situation, to prompt a heavy police response, which can include a SWAT team.
7 News spoke with Lowville Police Daryl Ortlieb and Lewis County Sheriff Mike Carpinelli.
Carpinelli said someone falsely reported that a person had entered Lowville Academy with a long gun and was threatening to shoot people.
Ortlieb added that the report said the armed suspect was in a school bathroom.
Response and dismissal
Sheriff’s deputies, Lowville village police and state police responded to the scene.
Ortlieb said that while Lowville Academy evacuated its 1,300 students as a precaution, law enforcement personnel searched the school twice and found no threat.
At 1:20 p.m., students were directed to go to the bus garage, where they could take the bus home or be picked up by their parents.
Carpinelli said the county’s undersheriff went to the school to answer parents’ questions.
Ortlieb said Lowville Academy was allowing students to return to the school for roughly an hour late Thursday afternoon to pick up their belongings.
He said students didn’t have time to collect their things before they were sent to the bus garage.
School responds
Superintendent Rebecca Dunckel tells 7 News school will be in session on Friday.
Counselors will be available for students who may need them.
Investigation underway
Village police and the sheriff’s office are working with the FBI to trace the source of the false report.
Carpinelli said swatting has been an issue at other schools in the state recently.
This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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