WSOCTV.com News 

Story

School Threat Ended, But Security Remains

Six schools in one county were in lockdown for almost two hours after someone made threats of violence. Frightened parents rushed to their child's school. They're happy nothing happened and that police took the threat seriously.
Video

Authorities have located a man that made threats against the Catawba County School District. Police are talking with him, but he has not been charged at this point.

Fred T. Ford High School, Mountainview Elementary, Startown Elementary, Blackburn Elementary, Banoak Elementary, Jacobs Ford Middle School were on lockdown for about an hour and a half.

The Catawba County Sheriff's Department responded quickly by sending deputies to the six schools early Friday morning.

Officials took the action after learning of a threat made by the husband of a substitute cafeteria worker. Because the employee worked at so many different schools, they posted deputies outside of each one.

Initially, authorities believe the threats involved a gun, causing parents like Donald Holder to leave work.

"I just wanted to find out what was going on, make sure there wasn't anybody in the school," he said.

The lockdown ended when they heard the man was upset that his wife wasn't getting enough hours from the school district and there was never a threat to use a gun.

Initially, that is not what the sheriff's officer or the school district knew at first. They based their decision for the lockdown like it was a very real threat.

Parents like Janice Griffin feel they made the right decision.

"The sheriff's department has done a great job. There were cops at both schools, at both doors. They will not allow anyone in. They are protecting the children," said Griffin.

As a precaution, deputies will remain at the schools for the remainder of the day.

"We cannot take any chances in this day and time. We don't know what people will do. With the world situation, we don't know what will happen," said Catawba County Assistant Superintendent Rick Sherrill.

More Headlines

Desktop Weather Alerts

Receive weather warnings, watches and advisories right on your desktop along with the latest news from WSOC-TV. Click here to add it to yours! Full Story ››


Charlotte Events

Let us help you plan your weekend with fun things to do in Charlotte, check out our featured events or find a concert or sporting event to attend. Full Story ››


E-Mail News

E - News Registration
 7 a.m. Headlines
9 a.m. Headlines
12 p.m. Headlines
4 p.m. Headlines
9 p.m. Headlines
Breaking News Alerts
Make WSOCTV.com Your Home Page

E-Mail News

E - News Registration
 7 a.m. Headlines
9 a.m. Headlines
12 p.m. Headlines
4 p.m. Headlines
9 p.m. Headlines
Breaking News Alerts

Show Off!

Double The Fun! ... Submit Your Pet Pics Here! - Image From Christa
Christa
Our pet gallery of photos keeps growing and growing. We love the photos you've sent in, so please keep them coming. Submit your online photos here!!! Full Story ››
SLIDESHOW: Peek-A-Boo | SLIDESHOW: Posing Pets | SLIDESHOW: Not A Creature Was Stirring
More Slideshows >>