Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...

No firearms located

FRANKLIN

A report of a student verbally threatening to bring a firearm to the Fresh Start Center in Hunterdale compelled a lockdown at the school this morning, Jan. 13. Ultimately, no weapon was found, and all are safe at the facility.

Maj. Camden Cobb, spokesman for the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office, stated in an announcement to media that at 9:56 a.m., the department had been alerted by Southampton County Public Schools officials about the student’s threat. Cobb said the Fresh Start Center was placed on lockdown and deputies responded with an investigation.

Virginia State Police sent a K-9 unit to help in a complete search for any firearms, but none were found.

The student in question has been identified by both school staff and law enforcement, said Cobb. He added that the school is no longer on lockdown and normal operations have resumed. Further, no students have been detained at this time and no charges have been filed.

Deputies will continue to investigate this incident along with school officials.

In a letter to parents, SCPS Superintendent Dr. Gwendolyn Shannon alerted them to the aforementioned situation, adding that disciplinary action will be taken.

“We are continuing to be vigilant in our response and actions in keeping our schools safe,” she stated. “We appreciate our school personnel, the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office and the Virginia State Police for their continued support.”