ERIE, PA – Police responded to Erie High School Wednesday morning after receiving an active shooter call, reportedly inside the school.
Officers quickly realized the call was a hoax connected to a statewide pattern. according to Erie Police Chief Daniel Spizarny.
The call was made to police at 10:45 am and officers were on scene within two minutes, the chief added.
“We understand that these false calls are occurring across the state today,” said Spizarny on Wednesday afternoon. “But we take all calls seriously and respond to them until we know differently.”
Erie’s Public Schools police officers also responded immediately to the scene. Matthew Parker, EPS Supervisor of School and Community Safety, initiated a hard lockdown of the building and EPS police officers began a search. No threat was identified. The lockdown lasted less than one hour, and instruction continued,’ Spizarny said. “As far as we know, today’s false alarm locally affected only Erie High School. But it is our understanding that across the state, both schools and businesses have been targeted by these bogus calls.”
The call comes just days after six people were killed during a school shooting in Nashville.
“We are grateful to our school district and city police officers for their quick response, and to the staff of Erie High School for keeping our students safe during the lockdown,” Erie’s Public Schools Superintendent Brian Polito said. “We will continue to work with law enforcement as the investigation continues.”