STAFFORD COUNTY, Va. — Widewater Elementary and Shirley Heim Middle School were temporarily placed on lockdown following a report of a suspicious person with a weapon in the Stonebridge at Widewater Subdivision, the Stafford County Sheriff’s Office announced.
Deputies quickly responded to the area and located the individual in question, who was determined to be hunting. After confirming there was no threat to the community, the lockdowns were lifted, and both schools resumed normal operations.
In a statement, the Sheriff’s Office said the lockdowns were implemented “out of an abundance of caution” to ensure the safety of students and staff. Sheriff David “DP” Decatur’s office confirmed that the situation was resolved without incident and reassured residents that there was no danger to the public.