WAYNESBORO, Va. (WHSV) – Westwood Hills Elementary School was evacuated Wednesday morning as personnel respond to an “emergency” situation at the school that some reports are calling a shooting.
Augusta County Sheriff Donald Smith confirmed all students, teachers and staff were evacuated from the school and are at a designated staging area with law enforcement. Law enforcement personnel are actively working the scene and conducting a “thorough clearance” of the school.
“For the safety of students, families, school personnel, and first responders, the public is asked to continue avoiding the immediate area until further notice,” Smith said. “We appreciate the cooperation and patience of parents, staff, and the community as law enforcement and school officials work to safely resolve the situation.”
Waynesboro Public Schools reported at 11:54 a.m. that all Westwood students, teachers and staff “are accounted for and are safe.” However, ABC News is reporting “one individual is injured and there is no ongoing threat, according to multiple sources familiar with the incident.”
The Waynesboro Police Department is managing an “emergency” situation Wednesday morning at Westwood Hills Elementary School, the division announced. The Augusta County Sheriff’s Office is reporting the incident at Westwood Elementary School is “contained and secured at this time” as of 10:23 a.m.(WHSV)Waynesboro lockdown
As a precautionary measure, WPS said, all other public schools in the city were placed on lockdown just before noon. As of 12:30 p.m., the lockdown was lifted.
WPS said parents who want to pick up their students can now access the schools. Meanwhile, reunification of Westwood students and families has been WPS’ priority. As of 12:30 p.m., all students from Westwood were released to their parents and guardians, WPS said.
Law enforcement is at all locations “out of an abundance of caution,” WPS said. Parents at schools are asked to follow the directions of school staff and law enforcement. All students, staff and teachers are safe, WPS added.
Reunification details
WPS is coordinating reunification between students and families at Westminster Presbyterian Church located at 1904 Mount Vernon Street in Waynesboro. This will be where children are released to their parents or authorized guardians, ACSO said.
Families are staging in the lower fellowship hall, WPS said. WPS instructed families to enter where signs say “entry.”
Augusta Health impacts
Augusta Health announced the hospital is fully operational and is still providing patient care on Wednesday. Augusta Health’s statement classified the incident as a “shooting in our community,” but did not share further details about the incident due to privacy policies.
“As your community hospital, we remain committed to caring for and supporting our neighbors in their time of need,” the Augusta Health statement reads.
Augusta County schools on Secure
Meanwhile, schools in Stuarts Draft and the Wilson Complex were placed in a code “secure” Wednesday around 9:40 a.m., according to a release from the Augusta County School Board. ACPS confirmed the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office ordered the secure as a precaution as reports of the emergency in Waynesboro circulated. A code Secure means students remain inside and instruction continues, the school board said.
At 11:05 a.m., ACSO determined all schools in the Wilson and Stuarts Draft areas could return to normal school activities. The code Secure was lifted at that time, the school board said.
“We want to emphasize that the code Secure was directed out of an abundance of caution, and the issue in Waynesboro was not directly related to our school division,” the school board said in a release. “We appreciate the assistance of ACSO and the quick action taken by our staff and students. Please join us supporting our sister school division at this time.”
Spanberger speaks on situation
Gov. Abigail Spanberger shared the following statement on Facebook as the situation develops.
“I am monitoring the emergency at Westwood Hills Elementary School this morning. My heart is with these young students, their parents and families, and the teachers and staff at the school. Thank you to the first responders who are assisting at the scene.
“Augusta County and Waynesboro law enforcement and schools are continuing to provide updated guidance to community members.”
This is a developing story. WHSV has crews in the area to learn more. As we can verify more information, we’ll report the latest details on air and online.
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