LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) - Multiple schools in Shelby County were on lockdown after an incident involving a gun at a local school.
Shelby County Sheriff's Office confirmed Shelby County High School at 1701 Frankfort Road in Shelbyville was on lockdown on Wednesday morning. Jefferson Community and Technical College campus near the high school was also on full lockdown.
"Do not go outdoors and wait for the all clear," Jefferson Community and Technical College posted on Facebook.Â
A text sent to families of Shelby County Schools said, "SCHS, Wright, the ATC and EMS is on lockdown due to a threat. This is cautionary while law enforcement and administration investigate the threat. We will keep you notified. Please keep phone lines at the school open until further notice."Â
A second text advised of a "soft lockdown" at additional schools. "While Rocket Lane schools are on lockdown, all other schools are on a soft lockdown out of an abundance of caution."
Shelby County Schools said a threat was made with a weapon around Rocket Lane around 9:30 a.m. The school district said the threat is "unsubstantiated" at this time.
Five schools were placed on lockdown after a phone tip from a suicide prevention hotline.
"They indicated and relayed to our dispatchers that they were in active communication with someone who was making threats towards Shelby County High School," said Shelby County Sheriff's Office Capt. Kyle Tipton. "The threat did involve statements about a possible explosive device on or within the property."
Police searched all five schools, but no arrests were made or suspected identified.Â
"I can tell you right now that we are actively investigating," Tipton said. "Our investigative unit and the Shelbyville Police Department Investigative Unit are actively working with multiple personnel to try to discern, determine and locate the origin of this source."
All schools were on high alert as of 10:30 a.m., according to the school district. Shelby County Emergency Services said Rocket Lane is closed until further notice.Â
"Please avoid the area," Shelby County Alert released in a message.Â
Rocket Lane is a roadway used to access Shelby County High School, Wright Elementary School and East Middle School.
The lockdown shook up parents and students at the school.
"I was a little scared. I was crying just a bit," said Logan Smith, a freshman at Shelby County High School. "We were worried. Is there somebody on campus, like in the building, with a gun walking around trying to find people."
School officials said there will be extra police officers on all of the campuses for the remainder of the week.
Dr. Joshua Matthews, superintendent of Shelby County Schools, said the district erred on the side of caution.
"This is something we take very, very serious, and so we will hold you accountable when we find you," Matthews said.
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