BB Gun Alert at Smithfield-Selma High School
Smithfield-Selma High School experienced heightened security measures Wednesday morning after a BB gun was detected on campus. The incident triggered a brief lockdown, but authorities quickly assured students and staff that they were not in danger.
According to an official statement from the school, lockdown procedures were initiated following a report of a weapon on school grounds. School officials and local law enforcement swiftly responded, apprehending the student in possession of what was later identified as an airsoft BB gun. The weapon was discovered through the school's weapon detection system.
The lockdown has since been lifted, and the school has resumed its normal operations. School officials emphasized that the safety of students and staff is their top priority. They highlighted the training provided to staff to implement lockdown procedures whenever deemed necessary, acting out of an abundance of caution.
Earlier in the morning, Sky 5 news helicopter captured footage of a crash in front of the school, adding to the morning's unusual events. At least seven police cruisers were observed parked outside the building around 7:15 a.m. Despite the crash and the BB gun incident, students were seen entering the building without apparent difficulty by 7:30 a.m.
WRAL News is currently investigating the details surrounding the crash. The school administration has reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining a safe learning environment for all students and staff.
School's Statement
- All students and staff were safe during the lockdown.
- School staff are trained to enter lockdown procedures anytime it is deemed necessary.
- The school acted out of an abundance of caution for students and staff.