Mattoon schools placed on soft lockdown due to police presence nearby

MATTOON, Ill. (WCIA) — Two schools in Mattoon were placed on a brief soft lockdown Friday afternoon after police were called to an apartment complex next to the school.

Officials with the Mattoon Community Unit School District 2 said William’s Elementary School administration was contacted by Mattoon Police around 2 p.m., advising they were called to Sunrise Apartments — located next to the school — for a weapons complaint. Out of an abundance of caution, school district officials said Williams Elementary, in addition to nearby Mattoon Middle School, were placed on a soft lockdown. Classrooms were locked and no one was allowed to enter or exit the buildings.

Mattoon Police responded to Sunrise Apartments immediately and determined that the report was unfounded. The soft lockdowns were lifted just under 15 minutes.

School district officials added that they are grateful for the quick response and communication with Mattoon Police.

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