SALISBURY, Md. – A report of a possible firearm at Pinehurst Elementary School prompted a lockdown and a large law enforcement response Friday morning before investigators determined the report was unfounded, according to the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office.
The Sheriff’s Office School Resource Division was notified by Wicomico County Public Schools at approximately 10:30 a.m. after a student reported seeing an individual with what appeared to be a firearm at the school. Deputies, Salisbury Police and Maryland State Police responded and began searching the building and surrounding property.
- Pinehurst Elementary School was placed on lockdown while law enforcement investigated the reported firearm.
- Investigators reviewed school surveillance footage, searched the school and interviewed the student who made the report.
- Authorities said they found no evidence corroborating the report and determined there was no immediate threat.
Pinehurst Elementary Placed on Lockdown During Search
School officials placed Pinehurst Elementary in “Lockdown” status under the Standard Response Protocol K12 as officers investigated.
The protocol is used to secure individual rooms while keeping students quiet and in place during a law enforcement response, the Sheriff’s Office said.
“Investigators promptly secured the area and began examining available information related to the reported incident,” the agency said.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from the time and location where the student reported seeing the individual.
“Investigators found no evidence corroborating the student’s report,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
Law enforcement officers also conducted what the agency described as a systematic search of the school building and surrounding property. Investigators then conducted a detailed interview with the student who made the initial report.
Sheriff’s Office Says Report Was Unfounded
After completing those steps, authorities determined there was no immediate danger to students, employees or the surrounding community.
“Following the investigation, authorities determined that there was no immediate threat to students, staff, or the surrounding community and that the reported sighting was unfounded,” the Sheriff’s Office said.
The school was subsequently kept under a “Hold” status as a precaution while officials continued addressing the situation. Under that protocol, students and staff remain in their classrooms while classroom learning can continue.
The Sheriff’s Office also warned parents to expect possible traffic congestion around the school as families arrived to pick up children.
“The safety of students and staff remains the highest priority,” the agency said.
The Sheriff’s Office thanked the Salisbury Police Department, Maryland State Police, Wicomico County Public Schools, school staff, parents and the community for their cooperation during the response.
The reported firearm sighting was determined to be unfounded.
Investigators said they found no evidence corroborating the student’s report and determined there was no immediate threat.
Police conducted a search of the school and surrounding property.
The response included the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office, Salisbury Police Department and Maryland State Police.
Pinehurst Elementary was placed on lockdown during the investigation.
The school used its lockdown protocol while officers investigated and later remained on “Hold” status as a precaution.
Sources: Wicomico County Sheriff’s Office